The Cabinet
Office’s report into HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC)
capability has been published.
Sir Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the
Home Civil Service, said:
“When I launched the Capability Review programme, nothing like it
had been attempted in Whitehall before. It represented a real
breakthrough in openness and accountability and I am delighted
that, four years on, the programme has not only been delivered
successfully but has also driven real improvement and reform
across the Civil Service.
“But there is no room for complacency – we have much more to do.
We have now refreshed the review model to put a focus on
innovation, efficiency and delivery, and in future the Capability
Review approach will be extended to key arms-length bodies.”
The Report reflects the significant pace of change at HMRC over
the last 12 months, with the new HMRC Executive Committee setting
a clear direction in line with the HMRC Vision which is recognised
throughout the organisation.
HMRC Chief Executive, Lesley Strathie said:
“I welcome the findings in this report. The review team has
acknowledged the significant progress made since our first
Capability Review in 2007 and has endorsed our strategic direction
of travel. I am proud that we have continued to deliver against
our key objectives, in particular bringing in the money which
funds the public services provided through every Government
department. There are still major challenges ahead to build our
leadership capability and much more to do on employee engagement.
However, we mustn’t lose sight of all the excellent work our
people are doing particularly over the last 12 months. Our Carter
Programme delivered unprecedented increases in online filing of
Self-Assessment tax returns. We also transformed our PAYE system.
This represented the most fundamental modernisation of the UK’s
personal tax administration service in 25 years. The hard work and
dedication of our people made this possible without disruption to
the services we provide our customers.”
Notes to Editors
The Capability Review Programme is part of the wider Civil
Service reform agenda. Capability Reviews provide an assessment of
capability for departments, identify key areas for improvement and
set out key actions. The aims of the reviews are to:
· improve the capability of the Civil Service to meet today’s
delivery objectives and be ready for the challenges of tomorrow
· assure the public and ministers that the Civil Service
leadership is equipped to develop and deliver departmental
strategies; and
· help departments act on long-term key development areas and
therefore provide assurance on future delivery.
All Capability reviews are carried out by a team of external
reviewers assembled specifically for the department under review,
supported by the Capability Review Team from the Cabinet Office.
Reviewers are drawn from senior leaders across the public, private
and third sector. The Reviewers for HM Revenue & Customs were;
· Jane Platt, Chief Executive, National Savings & Investment
· Lin Homer, Chief Executive, UK Border Agency and
· Peter Ellwood, Chairman, Rexam PLC
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press
Office NAT 90.09
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Patrick O'Brien
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patrick.o'brien@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Madonna Grant
Phone: 020 7147 2331
madonna.grant@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk