Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
67th Report - NS&I’s transformation programme
Public Accounts Committee
HC 1237
Published 13 February 2026
Recommendations
2
Accepted
Seek positive attestation on NS&I implementing culture review recommendations and leadership learning lessons.
Recommendation
NS&I’s positive news culture has meant it has not learned lessons, which has affected its ability to deliver the programme. NS&I told us that that it promotes a “can do” attitude and culture; while this has benefits in encouraging commitment …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees and commits to presenting an initial plan for business-wide cultural change, addressing review findings, to the Board/Treasury in early Summer 2026 for implementation over 12-18 months. It also notes ongoing governance revisions to incorporate feedback and challenge.
HM Treasury
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3
Accepted
Strengthen and embed NS&I's new risk management framework, reporting progress to the Committee.
Recommendation
It has taken NS&I far too long to develop a risk management framework, which has left the taxpayer exposed to unacceptable risks. NS&I launched multiple procurements and planned to deliver four transitions in parallel with no understanding of the risks …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with both recommendations, committing to Mr Goldstone reviewing the application of the new risk management framework and NS&I writing to the Committee by June 2026 on its progress in implementing and embedding the framework.
HM Treasury
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4
Accepted
Write to the Committee detailing resource management strategy, consultant use, and supplier contract management.
Recommendation
NS&I has failed to support the Programme with the skills and expertise it needs to deliver successfully. As an organisation with most of its operations contracted out to Atos, it is not surprising that NS&I had limited experience of digital …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees and commits to NS&I setting out its resource management strategy, including consultant and supplier contract management, to the Committee within six months.
HM Treasury
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5
Accepted
Amend NS&I's reporting to include additional metrics on Programme cost and progress.
Recommendation
NS&I’s governance structures still do not have the performance metrics and information needed to hold the Programme to account. It is difficult to establish the cost of the Programme from the information provided by NS&I. The Treasury told us that, …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating that NS&I has already implemented new monthly reporting metrics for delivery progress and spend, will complete a full spend audit by Q1 2026-27, and is working to enhance financial reporting across governance forums.
HM Treasury
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6
Accepted
Report to Committee on Treasury's assessment of NS&I's plan, budget, and oversight lessons.
Recommendation
The programme had suffered several serious setbacks before the Treasury gave it the attention it deserved. While NS&I is responsible for the Programme, the Treasury is NS&I’s sponsor department and, given its wider role in promoting good practice in managing …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating the Treasury will assess NS&I's integrated plan through a new Full Business Case via the Treasury Approval Panel process, requiring external assurance and considering David Goldstone's advice. It also highlights actions already taken, such as bolstered Board representation and engaged skilled support, as examples of lessons learned from oversight.
HM Treasury
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