Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Evidence gathered from MoD on its inventory management from Defence Support and DE&S
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about its inventory management, with witnesses from MoD centre, Defence Support, and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).7
Government Response Summary
The government outlines specific actions to enhance defence logistics and support, including a Defence Design Review starting detailed design by March 2024, a refresh of the Defence Support Strategy by November 2024, and a Support Function Narrative to be issued by March 2024.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. of Defence Logistics, forms a core part of the Defence Design Review, which is underway now, with detailed design due to start by March 2024, and an ambitious target to have completed design work by end of 2024. In the interim, a refresh of the Defence Support Strategy and Operating Model (by May and November 2024 respectively), along with a strong Support Function Narrative to be issued by 31 March 2024 will reinforce the full extent of the existing authorities. This builds on the work which has been conducted over the last two years to provide the Chief of Defence Logistics and Support with the enhanced levers and authorities needed to discharge the responsibilities of Functional Owner for Support following a formal Support Review (March 2023). These include: • increased Support input to senior decision-making boards; strengthening ties with key elements of Head Office and better communicating the role; and, • a more formalised mechanism for Functional input to the Balance of Investment process is being developed for implementation in annual budget cycle for 2025. These measures were endorsed at the Defence Support Board in September 2023. As part of the implementation of a new Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) operating model, the Chief of Defence Logistics and Support is now a member of their executive committee. DE&S Director Logistics and Support Operating Centre and Defence Support’s Director Joint Support are also now closely aligned, and co-chair the Defence Support Steering Group.