An honest tail speeds best, being plainly told.

William Shakespeare

CHAPTER 32 ENABLING


ENABLING ACQUISITION CHANGE


It was good to meet you at the briefing meeting convened by the Defence Secretary. I promised to follow up with a more detailed letter explaining the Department’s proposals for Future Enablement of Acquisition Change. This letter provides a basis for the Ministry of Defence to consult Interested Parties (IP) formally on the proposals in my report, a copy of which I am enclosing with this letter.


Following publication of the Future Revised Defence Industrial Space Strategy I was appointed by the Permanent Under Secretary to review the Department’s current Space Based Equipments acquisition arrangements, specifically to examine if they encourage, hinder or obstruct our ability to deliver Through Life Capability Management for Future Space Based Options. I was asked to provide a report to Ministers making recommendations for change where needed. My report, known as Future Enablement of Acquisition Change, is now complete and Ministers have decided to publish it today. Their decisions on the way forward will be announced together with other changes relating to collocation and movement of staff. I enclose a copy of the Written Ministerial Statement being issued today.


Background

Criticisms of the acquisition performance of the Department largely relate to time and cost overruns associated with some large ‘legacy’ projects which tend to overshadow the success of the vast majority of projects. Ministers have acknowledged that over the last few years there have been real improvements, which are the result of the professionalism and dedication of those working in the Organisation. They have done an excellent job in raising standards and putting in place initiatives which are aimed at securing better equipment for the Armed Forces, delivered on time, that is affordable to own and support, and which provides best value for the tax-payer. That said, it is generally acknowledged that there is more to do. The Future Revised Defence Industrial Strategy encourages the Department to adopt a more genuinely Through Life approach to the acquisition of space based capability and one which places increased emphasis on incremental acquisition. It is therefore essential that the Department has in place acquisition arrangements best suited to achieving this.


Implications for Employees

The report is wide-ranging and contains a large number of recommendations, which are summarised at the end of the Executive Summary. As you will know from the meeting with Ministers, they have indicated that, subject to consultation, they are minded to accept them. Not all of the recommendations will require formal inter-departmental consultation, and so I have sought to draw out those that I believe will be of most interest to you. Of course, I would welcome your views on any aspect of the report


The report has 13 Chapters, with recommendations appearing from Chapter 5 onwards. The recommendations that are likely to be of most interest to you are highlighted below: