Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted
Legacy systems and poor data quality hinder government's adoption of new technologies.
Recommendation
Government transformation and efficiency efforts are increasingly reliant on newer technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).47 Legacy systems and poor-quality data remain a major barrier to reaping the full benefits.48 We heard that addressing data and legacy issues requires sustained effort and resilience and remain concerned that the pace of addressing the challenge is not keeping up with what is needed in today’s world and that despite this, departments are already experimenting with AI.49
Government Response Summary
DSIT will publish a strategic data roadmap for public sector data in Spring 2026. The Government Digital Service will set out a long-term plan for how public data should be treated as a strategic asset across government. They will also set targets for boards to appoint digital non-executive directors by 2026, refine the Government Digital and Data Pay Framework and Capability Framework, develop talent pipelines, and encourage cross-sector skills exchange.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5. PAC conclusion: There is a lack of urgency and clear leadership for resolving the legacy systems and poor data issues that inhibit the realisation of benefits through greater productivity and efficiency that departments will reap from new technology such as AI. 5. PAC recommendation: As part of its response to this report, DSIT should set out how it will take the lead on systemic data and systems improvement across government in order to exploit new technologies such as AI. At the same time, the department should set out what further steps it will take to ensure it can both secure and retain board level CDIOs and senior specialists of the right calibre given it cannot match industry pay rates in all areas of the country. 5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2026 5.2 In Spring 2026 DSIT will publish a strategic data roadmap for public sector data. Government Digital Service will set out a long-term plan for how public data should be governed, accessed and used. This plan will help to create smarter, faster public services, such as using data to improve transport or healthcare. It will also ensure that as the government uses technology like AI, data is always kept secure and used ethically. 5.3 To strengthen leadership and invest in talent, the government is introducing a requirement for all executive committees to include digital leaders and for boards to appoint digital non-executive directors by 2026. 5.4 Further action to attract, retain, and develop digital and data talent is being taken through the refinement of the Government Digital and Data Pay Framework and Capability Framework. 5.5 To support long-term workforce planning, talent pipelines are being developed and cross-sector skills exchange encouraged through initiatives such as the TechTrack apprenticeship programme, Digital and Cyber Fast Stream, the AI Accelerator, succession plans and the Digital Secondments Programme. 5.6 The impact of these initiatives will be monitored and evaluated through the Workforce Commission’s bi-annual reporting, the Senior Civil Service Benchmarking Tool, and ongoing workforce data collection. Transparency will be maintained through public reporting, including updates on digital leadership appointments, publication of Workforce Commission outputs (where appropriate), and the launch of major programmes such as TechTrack.