Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
We believe blueprints are a key part in setting out the operating model for each...
Conclusion
We believe blueprints are a key part in setting out the operating model for each function, and an important control tool for managing the relationships between functions and departments. Once they are in place it will be easier for functions to collaborate and share best practice, as well as work together on common issues. The Cabinet Office told us that the development of blueprints across all the functions will be an important part of the next year and that it already has a lot of activity underway to ensure that these are not delayed further.30
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.