Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Pay flexibilities can however lead to disparities in specialist pay, which can create an internal...
Conclusion
Pay flexibilities can however lead to disparities in specialist pay, which can create an internal market between departments for those with specialist skills. To tackle this, the Cabinet Office explained how it is managing the issue. For senior civil service pay grades, pay exception processes have been put in place and the Heads of Functions now actively share and assess salary information across both functions and departments. The Cabinet Office told us it has also put in place restrictions to limit the ability of people to move 10 C&AG’s report, The cost of EU Exit preparations, HC 102, Session 2019–21, 6 March 2020 11 Qq 38–39 12 Qq 42–43 13 Q 92 14 Q 14 15 C&AG’s report, Central government staff costs, HC 79, Session 2015–16, 5 June 2015 16 Q 51 17 Q 51 10 Specialist Skills in the civil service between departments to jobs at the same level but for more money. For lower grades, the Cabinet Office explained that in the Digital function a framework of salary allowances has been put in place which allowed them to level pay across departments for the same type of job. It is also looking into the cohesion of pay across different geographical locations.18 Retaining and promoting a diverse workforce
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