Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Accepted
Department requires continuous evolution of capabilities to address rapidly changing online risks.
Conclusion
The Department also recognised that it needs to be constantly evolving its own capabilities so that it has the right resources to deal with the new risks and opportunities arising in a rapidly changing environment. It cited as examples the work it had done since its own creation in response to the rapid developments in generative AI, such as the emergence of ChatGPT. However, the challenge it faced was making that ability to evolve and respond quickly to change part of its DNA.62 Evaluating and learning
Government Response Summary
The government disagrees, stating that both the department and Ofcom already have effective workforce planning, half-yearly workforce reviews, horizon scanning functions, and yearly business planning processes to ensure the necessary skills and capabilities are in place.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 5.2 The department and Ofcom agree with the Committee that they must have the right skills and people in place, to regulate effectively. Both organisations already have effective workforce planning processes, which ensure that the required skills are in place, fulfilling the intent of this recommendation. 5.3 Ofcom’s workforce planning runs half yearly. The online safety-specific detail of this workforce plan feeds into its online safety learning and development provision, as well as recruitment pipeline considerations, ensuring capability and capacity is proactively built as required. Ofcom reports to Parliament annually through its Annual Report and Accounts on its overall strategy for people, skills and capabilities to meet its remit. 5.4 Ofcom’s Strategy and Research, Online Technology, and Online Safety leadership teams together with the input of wider academic external partners work to ensure Ofcom keeps abreast of technology developments and understands the implications of these in regard to knowledge, skills and approaches to ways of working. More widely, Ofcom has launched a systematic horizon scanning function to understand the impact of technology developments over the next decade. 5.5 The department runs a yearly business planning process through which directorates specify and agree the headcount, roles and specialisms required to deliver their functions effectively. 5.6 Directorates including the Online Harms directorate hold delegated learning budgets and regularly assess particular skills needs. Departmental non-executives are appointed through a regulated public appointments process. The department will shortly announce a new cohort of non-executives who will support the board for a term of 3 years.