Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Resolving legacy digital systems requires diverse, scarce skills for future technological advancements
Recommendation
We therefore asked how DSIT intended to resolve the issues surrounding legacy digital systems. DSIT told us that the challenges of the legacy environment required many skills to resolve, not just digital skills, many of which were “very scarce”. It explained that resolving legacy issues was necessary in its own right, but was also needed to create the capability and capacity to be able to focus on the challenges that cutting–edge and next–generation technologies present.25 DSIT told us that the challenge was both to “bring people up to an acceptable standard” and “rapidly move towards” being “able to deliver the next generation of programmes”.26
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and will update and re-launch the Digital, Data and Technology Playbook by December 2025, which includes specific guidelines on addressing legacy IT issues and will be adopted across all relevant procurement activities.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.5 The government agrees with the committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2025 3.6 The government is taking forward the actions outlined below on which we will update the Committee on progress in December 2025: 3.7 The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Playbook provides a comprehensive framework for managing digital and technology projects within the public sector. The Market Sourcing and Suppliers Team is responsible for the playbook and is working with GDS to launch a publication in December 2025, bringing it up to date with current practices and for adoption across all relevant procurement activities. 3.8 Key points from the Playbook include: • Best Practices: The Playbook consolidates best practice guidelines and policies that help procurement professionals set up projects for success from the outset, minimising the risk of costly mistakes. • Outcome-Based Approach: It emphasises an outcome-based procurement strategy, focusing on delivering value rather than merely reducing costs. This aligns procurement activities with user needs and government priorities. • Market Engagement: The Playbook encourages early engagement with the market, facilitating innovation and collaboration, particularly with SMEs, to harness diverse solutions that meet public sector requirements. • Risk Management: It promotes a balanced approach to risk, ensuring that risks are allocated to those best able to manage them, thereby enhancing project resilience and sustainability. • Continuous Improvement: The DDaT framework supports iterative testing and learning, allowing procurement professionals to adapt strategies and improve service delivery over time. • Compliance and Governance: The Playbook sets out clear governance structures and compliance requirements for central government departments and arm's-length bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability in procurement activities. • Cyber Security and Legacy IT: It includes specific guidelines on cyber security and addressing legacy IT issues, which are critical for safeguarding public data and enhancing operational resilience.