Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 4
4
We are concerned that the Ministry of Defence, and in particular Defence Equipment and Support...
Conclusion
We are concerned that the Ministry of Defence, and in particular Defence Equipment and Support may not have sufficient technically qualified staff and capacity to manage effectively the multiple armoured vehicle procurement and upgrade programmes that are currently underway. Given both the large amounts of taxpayer’s money at stake and the importance of such programmes for our war fighting capability should deterrence fail, this appalling situation has now become completely unacceptable and must be rapidly reformed, including, if necessary, by senior management changes at DE & S Headquarters at Abbey Wood. (Paragraph 25) The UK’s armoured forces today
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Department notes the Committee’s comments and recognises the importance of skills and internal capability in future delivery of defence procurement and support. DE&S has undergone a significant transformation programme over recent years, including a focus on people and skills, the introduction of a functional management approach to match suitably skilled people to roles, and the attainment of formal qualifications where appropriate. For example, all of the most senior DE&S finance and accounting staff have professional Chartered Accounting qualifications and nearly 90% of commercial staff are CIPs qualified or are studying for qualifications. 97% of Project Managers have completed Non-Commercial Contract Management training and 47% of senior Project Managers have achieved APM Registered & Chartered Project Professional status. Improved approaches to commercial and financial management in DE&S have delivered some £5 billion of genuine efficiencies against the Equipment Plan over the Annual Budgeting Cycle 2020 period. DE&S is committed to growing the diversity and professionalism of its people and to recruit, train and retain the optimal mix of skills for the future to ensure that it is well positioned to respond to the outcomes of the Integrated Review. However, it should be acknowledged that delivering the growing programme of work from the positive Defence settlement will remain challenging in face of headcount pressures, but we are seeking to address this through ongoing reform work.