Addressee: Ministry of Defence · Source location: Page 12, paragraph 22, point a
Our recommendations are intended to help the Department create the necessary conditions to deliver the programme and, in doing so, apply the lessons across its other armoured vehicle programmes. It should:
a) agree a credible delivery plan to IOC and FOC with GDLS-UK. In doing so, it should consider what contingency it needs to resolve existing issues and
manage unknown risks and ensure that the timetable is realistic. It should assess whether the FOC target date is achievable and re-assess this as the programme progresses;
Response position:
Accepted
Delivery:
Implemented
· 09/2023
· Confirmed by NAO
Addressee: Ministry of Defence · Source location: Page 13, paragraph 22, point b
b) reassess the way the programme is governed and resourced – focusing on the role of the programme board and interfaces between the Army, DE&S and the bodies involved in trials and managing the interdependencies. Duty holders should have sufficient authority to perform their roles, and the governance structure needs to support clear and timely decision-making to provide the necessary approvals and manage programme risks;
Response position:
Accepted
Delivery:
Implemented
· 03/2023
· Confirmed by NAO
Addressee: Ministry of Defence · Source location: Page 13, paragraph 22, point c
c) improve the management information to provide more real-time visibility on progress, risks, and dependencies. This should allow all parties to have a single view on progress against milestones and budgets, clarity on risks and when action is needed;
Response position:
Accepted
Delivery:
Implemented
· 09/2023
· Confirmed by NAO
Addressee: Ministry of Defence · Source location: Page 13, paragraph 22, point d
d) ensure that the contract incentives are focused on outcomes and align the need to deliver to time with an increased focus on developing the capability, by ensuring technical issues are addressed in a timely manner; and
Response position:
Accepted
Delivery:
Implemented
· 09/2023
· Confirmed by NAO
Addressee: Ministry of Defence · Source location: Page 13, paragraph 22, point e
e) ensure that there is a clear mechanism and accountability for implementing the recommendations of its safety report. As part of this, the Department should consider the scope for streamlining the safety trials process and ensure that duty holders have sufficient authority to report and escalate findings. There is a need to ensure that the advice provided by DSTL, or any other advisory body, is given due consideration in a timely manner, and a complete record is kept of actions taken against the advice
Response position:
Accepted
Delivery:
Implemented
· 03/2024
· Confirmed by NAO