Context
The issue of how government departments record and build on best practices in a rapidly changing digital world is under scrutiny.
Question
What steps he is taking to record best practice across Government Departments. If we do not learn the lessons of history, we can end up repeating the mistakes of the past. Given that Ministers and senior officials in Departments are regularly changing posts, will the Government ensure that each Department has a corporate memory so that new Ministers and officials can see what worked and what did not, and what lessons were learned, to help us to have the most efficient government that we can have in this country?
Answer from Jeremy Quin
Recording and building on best practice is vital to improving how government operates. Under the civil service code, proper records must be maintained so that people can learn from the past and pass that on. I am keen for civil servants to remain in post longer so that they can be judged on outcomes and have the time to follow through on projects, particularly important for senior responsible owners. Departmental boards should act as a repository of institutional knowledge to ensure this is communicated.
Not addressed: Specific mechanisms or timelines for creating corporate memory were not addressed
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)