Security & Defence

All this week CSW will profile a host of major government projects from each of the four categories from the Government Major Projects Portfolio to see how the current slate of projects are preforming – and where lessons can be learnt

The 2016 Chilcot Report exposed some of Whitehall’s biggest weaknesses – the silos and hierarchies that lead to bad decisions. Two years on, the officials who led the civil service response from the MoD, Cabinet Office and Foreign Office tell Tamsin Rutter what’s happened since then

The Public Accounts Committee described the department's understanding of armed forces spending as “inadequate”

National Audit Office says decision to establish single provider has caused expensive backlogs and increased staff costs by 17%

Move follows departments launch of a mental health support package for its civil servants

Straw poll of Prospect members finds more than three-quarters are dissatisfied with government’s handling of negotiations 

UK Space Agency allocated £92m in contingency cash following Brexit row with EU

Sajid Javid letter reveals way department rewarded outsourcer against backdrop of Windrush scandal

Ministry signs agreement with non-profit organisation TechVets

The NCA’s Nina Cope tells Tamsin Rutter about the agency’s aim to break down barriers, and help cement its reputation at the “pinnacle of law enforcement”

National Archives files reveal that 1,420 Whitehall staff were monitored by security services

Government ‘has no real sense’ of scale of problem parliamentary committee warns

Intelligence and Security Committee notes recruitment challenges of “bureaucratic” security vetting and outdated perceptions

Report details “scandalous” vacancy levels that see department pay £78m a year on empty units

Campaigners and MPs fight to slash charges at department after inquiry launched by borders inspector

Tobias Elwood admits ‘shadow of Carillion hangs heavy over departments’ but insists 12-year contract is fully risk assessed

Chancellor Philip Hammond told Cabinet ministers health boost was “extraordinary” one-off outside usual spending review process

Select committee chairs set out fears for the future in letter to prime minister Theresa May

PACAC expresses confidence in Sir Jeremy Heywood’s commitment to effective decision-making, but says now is the time to introduce safeguards

Construction of the new submarines to maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent is the latest major government scheme to be undertaken by a dedicated project delivery company. Richard Johnstone looks at how they work. Photography by Paul Heartfield

Foreign Affairs Committee chair calls for a “revolution at the heart of government” to fix siloed foreign policy

Brexit select committee says nation is cruising towards default ongoing membership post 2020

Disclosure and Barring Service modernisation programme is four years late and likely to cost £229m more than planned say MPs

Parliamentary report calls for better intelligence sharing between departments and stronger political guidance for FCO and HMRC