The Difficult Decisions Party has noted, with some concern, that the government currently commissions a large number of reviews. The Difficult Decisions Party has further noted, also with concern, that reviews are sometimes commissioned to consider matters which have already been the subject of prior reviews. This is, we feel, an area that warrants careful and proper consideration.
We therefore propose the establishment of a Cross-Departmental Review of the Review Process (hereinafter "the Review"). The Review will be chaired by a former permanent secretary, supported by a secretariat of no fewer than fourteen and no more than nineteen civil servants, with a budget of approximately £3.2 million and a reporting deadline of Q3 2028.
The Review will consider the following matters, among others that may emerge in the course of its work.
Firstly: whether the current process for commissioning reviews is fit for purpose.
Secondly: whether the current process for commissioning reviews is reviewed with sufficient frequency.
Thirdly: whether the body which reviews the process for commissioning reviews is itself subject to periodic review, and if so, by whom.
Fourthly: whether the previous review into this matter (the 2019 Harrington Report) was properly commissioned, reviewed, and — if appropriate — subjected to a further review.
The Review will invite evidence from stakeholders across the public sector and will hold a series of workshops, roundtables, and listening events. We anticipate that the Review may, in the course of its work, identify areas that require their own dedicated reviews. This is to be welcomed.
Critics will ask why we do not simply stop commissioning so many reviews. We would respectfully respond that such a question is, in itself, precisely the sort of question that would benefit from being addressed by a formal review. We look forward to discussing this proposal in detail at committee. Refreshments will be provided.
Discussion (11)
Sign in to join the discussion. Debate and humour are both very welcome.
Mock the policy. Not the person. Community principles →
The Difficult Decisions Party isn't parodying anything, they're just reading the invoices out loud.
Another committee to decide whether they should have committees. £3.2m. Carol at the library could design a better system for half that.
Meanwhile the schools I work in can't replace a broken laminator.