Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Acknowledged
Departments fail to consistently use new system, resulting in inaccurate and delayed data.
Conclusion
The NAO reported that some departments were still running the process outside of the new system and entering data into the system after the fact, instead of in real time. The NAO also noted that basic errors in data entry, such as inverting dates, meant that the data generated by the new system were not accurate.16 We asked the Cabinet Office what it was doing to address these problems: it told us that it agreed that this was not satisfactory and shared our disappointment. It told us that it had written to all departments and all public bodies reminding them how to use the system correctly. It also told us that it had strengthened its guidance on how to properly use the system and had organised a series of training events.17 The lack of published information
Government Response Summary
The government aims to have all regulated appointments being run through the new applicant tracking system by Summer 2025, with technical changes to the digital platform to allow further integration of data.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2a. PAC recommendation: In response to this report, the Cabinet Office should: • confirm in the Treasury Minute that all regulated appointments are now being run through the new applicant tracking system and what steps it is taking where departments do not comply. 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 2.2 The government agrees with the Committee that the digital platform should be the primary mechanism through which departments manage their regulated appointments. 2.3 The Cabinet Office will look to make appropriate and possibly technical changes to the digital platform to allow further integration of data by the end of summer 2025. 2.4 The vast majority of regulated appointments are already being run through the applicant tracking system. There is currently a small number of campaigns run by executive search agencies that are advertised on the digital platform, but for historical, technical and commercial reasons, applicants are directed to the agencies to apply via their existing systems. Steps are being taken to improve data capture from such campaigns with a technical change to the service. In addition, for organisational and scale reasons, appointments to the Independent Monitoring Boards (under the purview of the Ministry of Justice) are currently run through a separate system. The Cabinet Office will continue to explore technical solutions to allow the processes and data from this small number of exceptions to be included within the applicant tracking system so that the data it holds on regulated appointments is as comprehensive as possible. 2.5 The Cabinet Office has also been working with departments across Whitehall to build capacity within their public appointment teams and to train staff in the effective use of the digital platform. Central to this activity is the requirement that the digital platform will be the default processing tool for effectively managing regulated appointments. The Cabinet Office will continue to work closely with departments to ensure appropriate capacity and skills are in place and to monitor and support performance at the departmental level.