Recommendation 5

Seven years on from their introduction, functions still have not developed clear plans to help maximise their impact, and lack strategic direction. The Department requires all functions to put in place their own ‘capability blueprint’. Blueprints should include a clear operating model and set out the organisational capacity for each function. They are also an important tool in managing coordination between functions and departments. So far, only the Commercial function has a blueprint, with the HR, Finance and Communications functions currently developing theirs. The Department believes that the Commercial function’s blueprint has made great inroads in improving commercial capability across government. Without clear plans, it is difficult for departments to fully exploit functional expertise. Recommendation: The Cabinet Office and functions should work together urgently to complete capability blueprints. The Cabinet Office should write to us by April 2021 at the latest to confirm that these have been finalised. Specialist Skills in the civil service 7