Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
Operational Delivery Profession's skills framework requires updating for evolving digital and AI capabilities.
Recommendation
The ODP has created a professional skills framework, which sets out the sorts of skills that staff need at different stages of their careers.40 It feels that this framework will be critical to the success of its strategy.41 However, the capabilities and expertise that its members need are changing and will require skills associated with other professions, particularly digital– for example, the capability to provide services online or via apps, and through using artificial intelligence (AI).42
Government Response Summary
The ODP will partner with the Government Digital and Data Profession and other stakeholders to understand and impact emerging technologies, use the research to identify future skills needs, and regularly update the Professional Skills Framework by December 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5. PAC conclusion: It is vital that the ODP keeps pace with advances in new technology and artificial intelligence and the implications for the changing skills its members need. 27 5. PAC recommendation: The ODP should work with the Government Digital and Data Profession to define the digital skills that ODP professionals require, and include them in the new skills framework, to support government organisations to navigate the impact of new technology and artificial intelligence and adopt it to deliver better services. 5.1 The Profession agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2026 5.2 The Profession recognises the importance of partnering with key stakeholders, including the Government Digital and Data Profession, Whitehall and Industry Group (WIG) and HoPs, to understand and impact emerging and future technologies. The Profession is also represented on the Cabinet Office led Data-Driven Innovation / Artificial Intelligence (DDI/AI) skills advisory board. 5.3 A workforce challenges study is also underway to identify future skills needs in operational delivery. This research will explore the skills required as technology advances and citizen expectations shift, and how these skills can be effectively procured and delivered. 5.4 The Professional Skills Framework, learning curriculum and senior leadership programmes and activity will be regularly updated to reflect new skills, opportunities and required learning. The Profession will continue to encourage HoPs to promote cross- government and AI initiatives in their departments and agencies, such as ‘One Big Thing - AI for All’, ensuring operational delivery has a voice and that information on new technology adoption is shared appropriately and sensitively. 5.5 Through ongoing engagement with HoPs, the Profession will remain reactive to the balance between innovation and technological change, and foundational service delivery, as use of new technology and enhanced communication skills become key to delivery of quality services to citizens.