Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Developing detailed plans for each function—also known as ‘capability blueprints’— is fundamental to the effective...
Conclusion
Developing detailed plans for each function—also known as ‘capability blueprints’— is fundamental to the effective operation of the functional model in government. The National Audit Office report found that without capability and capacity plans in place it is difficult for functions to understand their own impact, or for departments to fully exploit functional expertise.28 The Cabinet Office acknowledged that these blueprints are the starting point for all functional work but confirmed that only one of the 14 functions currently had its capability blueprint in place. For the Commercial function, having this blueprint in place has allowed them to build commercial capability and improve the function’s processes. The Cabinet Office could not explain why the other 13 functions 22 C&AG’s report HC 919, para 6 23 Q4 6 24 Q 76 25 Q 46 26 Qq 30–31, 92 27 Q 82 28 C&AG’s report, HC 575, para 10 12 Specialist Skills in the civil service are taking so long to publish their own plans but did tell us that blueprints were now also underway for the HR, Communications and Finance functions.29
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5.1 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 5.2 The Cabinet Office confirms that Heads of Function are committed to formulating, implementing and publishing their own capability blueprints (strategic plans), and recognises that functions will need additional time beyond April 2021 to finalise these. This is driven in part by contextual pressures (for example, the functions focussing their efforts on the COVID-19 response) and, in other respects, the availability of functional workforce data. 5.3 At present, the Commercial function is the most advanced, with a commercial blueprint in place and updated on an annual basis. Equivalent capability plans and strategies are evident elsewhere across the functions and professions, with - for example - Communications, Counter fraud and Security reporting the regular use of these. The Finance function is developing a performance framework to measure progress against the strategic deliverables it set out in its 2019 strategy and will begin reporting in April 2021. The Finance function will also use the performance framework to measure the overall impact of the function and use workforce data collected from departments to develop its capability blueprint in 2021-22. HR has 19 developed substantial elements of its blueprint work, including the HR functional standards and associated assessment framework (in pilot) and the HR career framework, and intends to publish its blueprint during 2021. 5.4 The Cabinet Office will continue to support this process by sharing best practice across government, including through the appropriate governance routes.