Commercial

Defence secretary tells RUSI think tank that the latest cross-government defence strategy will be "positive, assertive and quite properly strategic"

New watchdog the Single Source Regulations Office seeks to overhaul MoD deals with single-source contractors

Transformation programme director Michael Beaven takes up post with private firm after four years at the Government Digital Service

Successful bidders for government contracts will see agreed commitments to apprentice recruitment written into contracts above £10m from next month

Crown Commercial Service says extension of licensing deal with Oracle lays the foundation of a “more collaborative” relationship

Outgoing digital chief Mike Bracken cites "stresses and strains" of the job – but says Government as a Platform plans still being assessed

Cabinet Office says departure of the government's digital chief will prompt rethink of the "best structure for the next phase of digital transformation"

Civil service chief executive talks up Single Departmental Plans, saying they will offer "single, clear roadmap" for managing resources ahead of the Spending Review

Cabinet Office announces that Bill Crothers – who oversaw the set-up of the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) – is to leave post, with search for successor already underway

Philip Hammond tells MPs that while Treasury's 25% and 40% cuts call likely to be "aspirational", FCO must make "strategic" savings

Annual report from the Civil Service Commission says senior civil service pay curbs could lead to loss of "some of the most talented" officials

Outgoing Foreign Office permanent secretary stresses the need for “balance” between the centre of government and individual departments ahead of further reforms