Headcount reductions can be counter-productive at a time when government knows it needs to double its digital, data and technology capability and is struggling to recruit the staff it needs. We were therefore disappointed to hear that apprenticeships had been a victim of departmental decisions on headcount culls.31 Government should continuously invest in staff development for clear long-term benefit. 22 Qq 57–59 23 C&AG’s Report, para 27 24 Qq 11, 30 25 Qq 13–14 26 Q 31 27 Q 16 28 Q 14 29 Q ...

Headcount reductions can be counter-productive at a time when government knows it needs to double its digital, data and technology capability and is struggling to recruit the staff it needs. We were therefore disappointed to hear that apprenticeships had been a victim of departmental decisions on headcount culls.31 Government should continuously invest in staff development for clear long-term benefit. 22 Qq 57–59 23 C&AG’s Report, para 27 24 Qq 11, 30 25 Qq 13–14 26 Q 31 27 Q 16 28 Q 14 29 Q 31 30 Q 32 31 Qq 1, 23, 26–28 12 Digital transformation in government: addressing the barriers to efficiency 2 Addressing inefficiencies and transforming Type: conclusion | Number: 14 | Response status: accepted Government response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2025 4.2 The government has set a target that at least 6% of the overall workforce of the Civil Service will be members of the Digital, Data and Technology profession by Ju