Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 7
7
The Cabinet Office recognised that rules introduced in 2010 on civil service pay make it...
Conclusion
The Cabinet Office recognised that rules introduced in 2010 on civil service pay make it difficult to attract and retain skilled specialists in some areas.15 Some skills, such as the ability to lead large projects, are particularly scarce. The Cabinet Office told us the areas which experience the highest levels of turnover are those with a strong external market, such as Commercial and Digital. These functions can often find themselves bidding against external competitors who can offer more money.16
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2021 2.2 The Cabinet Office confirms that all matters related to pay for grades below the Senior Civil Service (SCS) are delegated to departments. Functions have introduced measures to address pay disparities by, for example, establishing robust pay exception case processes. 2.3 The Cabinet Office reviews SCS pay across functions and professions through the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) evidence each year. HM Treasury promotes the use of Pivotal Role Allowances as an effective tool for retaining members of the SCS in highly specialised roles including those delivering the riskiest major projects across government, providing extra flexibility to departments and functions when it comes to pay. 2.4 The Cabinet Office reviews the use of SCS pay exceptions on an annual basis (the next review is due in Summer 2021) to ensure the policy is being used appropriately. Most functions already play an active