Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Civil Service: Skills and Training

Thursday 8 July 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government is investing in training across the whole civil service through a new Government Skills and Curriculum Unit.
  • The Government aims to reduce reliance on contractors by enhancing internal capability.
  • Initiatives include secondments into major organisations and developing an in-house consultancy.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Context

The MP is concerned about the need for better skills and training within the civil service to meet future challenges.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Government to improve both skills and training in the civil service?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The Government is investing in training across the whole civil service through a new Government Skills and Curriculum Unit, which will establish a campus for government skills, focus on creating a cross-civil service induction, offer a data masterclass for senior civil servants, and transform the fast stream to remain among the best graduate schemes.

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Employment Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP is concerned about the reliance on contractors and consultants in the civil service and emphasizes the need for better recruitment and retention of skilled individuals within the civil service.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that alongside employing contractors, we must provide better training for civil servants and improve recruitment to retain skilled individuals rather than relying heavily on outside consultants?

Answer from Julia Lopez

The Government acknowledges that contractors have been used for specialist skills, but efforts are being made to reduce this by enhancing internal capability. Initiatives include secondments into major organisations, developing an in-house consultancy, creating a civilian reserve, and reviewing recruitment strategies with the Civil Service Commission.

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