Project Delivery

Former Cabinet Office minister says his perception of the civil service went “downhill a lot” during the coalition government

MPs highlight that workforce planning in Whitehall only gives “high-level view” of staffing requirements

Watchdog warns demands of service pressures, major projects and Brexit are outpacing Whitehall’s capacity to deliver at a time of staffing restrictions and spending restraint

Implementing Theresa May’s flagship plan must become a Brexit priority, says report

MPs warn that contract with Capita-led consortium has "failed to transform" Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and continued uncertainty will exacerbate ongoing recruitment challenges at the body set up to manage £31bn defence estate 

Auditor general says he has support for plan from Whitehall permanent secretaries

Treasury Select Committee says it would be “imprudent” for decisions on the multi-billion pound overhaul to be taken before inquiry is complete

National Audit Office says department’s attempts to address delays have compressed its Carrier Strike delivery schedule and “added risk with limited contingency”

Public Accounts Committee says economic case is “crystal clear” for both houses to relocate for the duration of a £3.9bn overhaul

DCLG confirms it is also ditching the use of the phrase "turned around" to describe families who have been subject to interventions under the programme

After decades of reviews aimed at driving down the civil service's running costs, Sir Michael Barber, former chief of Blair's delivery unit, is hailed by one Whitehall-watcher as "much less celebrity and much more focused on getting the job done"

Public Accounts Committee says accountability system for major electrification programme was too complex, and casts doubt on cost estimates even after £1.2bn increase

Select committee seeks feedback on payment delays, registration errors, and possible tweaks

Tax collection agency beats target by 400,000 users months ahead of self-imposed deadline

Perm sec makes work services director Susan Park accountable for payments system’s operation across Jobcentres and service centres

Some staff are still uncertain about joining the GCO, Institute for Government researchers find, though the reforms to improve commercial capability are already making an impact

DfID's first Conservative secretary of state warns of "unprecedented attack from elements of the media" on the department's work to help the world's poorest

Caroline Nokes says savings from estate programme will be used to fund recruitment of frontline advisers, but MPs, including Tory backbenchers, raise concerns over access for claimants

Exclusive: Cabinet secretary says reform agenda remains "strongly supported by ministers" after several key Francis Maude-era initiatives are scrapped, but stresses focus on "embedding leadership at a departmental level"

HMRC chief says Building Our Future plans will save more than reported by the National Audit Office earlier this month, but admits keeping hold of local knowledge will be a challenge if staff cannot relocate

New report from cross-party group of MPs highlights risks to shake up of police, ambulance and fire service comms — but praises low leadership churn at the Home Office

Internal message to HM Revenue & Customs staff – seen by CSW – acknowledges that its estate overhaul will save less than expected, but dismisses talk of a major rethink as "just wrong"

NAO chief says it is time for the department to “step back and consider” its estates strategy as HMRC acknowledges its plans to close most offices will take longer, cost more, and save less than expected

Senior officials outline significant boost for team of apprentices set up to help departments manage crises and surges in demand