Departments are facing particular digital skills shortages in roles such as data architects and cyber security, according to a report published by the cross-party Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of MPs.
The MPs noted that central Government departments are constrained in what they can pay and, while they try to offer more for specialist roles, cannot fully compete with the private sector in hard-to-recruit roles such as data architects and in cyber security.
Dame Meg Hillier, the Labour MP who chairs the Committee, said: “One of the hallmarks of the Digital Revolution has been rapid and accelerating change. Our inquiry has found that Whitehall’s digital services, far from transforming at the pace required, are capable of only piecemeal and incremental change. Departments’ future-proofing abilities are hobbled by staff shortages, and a lack of support, accountability and focus from the top. In particular, a lack of cyber-security experts should send a chill down the Government’s spine.
“The Government talks of its ambitions for digital transformation and efficiency, while actively cutting the very roles which could help achieve them. Our inquiry leaves us unconvinced that these aims will be achieved in the face of competing pressures and priorities. Digital must not be treated merely as a sideline, but must sit right at the heart of how Government thinks about delivery. Without swift and substantial modernisation, opportunities to improve services for the public will continue to be lost.”
Comment
Amanda Finch, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) said: “The civil service is in no way unique. We have been tackling the cyber security skills shortage for a while with partnerships, apprenticeships and EPQ qualifications, but both the private and public sector still have much to do in attracting and retaining talent. The need is clear: without fresh cyber security talent, there will be a much higher risk that organisations will either fail to recognise threats until it is too late, or act inappropriately when a threat is discovered. Not to mention that existing cyber security staff will be overworked trying to keep their heads above water.
“To overcome this, the industry needs to showcase the opportunities available to anyone from any background at any level – from school, to university, to different stages of a career. Our own research shows that the most important skills for a career in cyber are analytical and problem solving, with technical knowledge some way behind. Focusing purely on technical ability is a sure-fire way to lock out tomorrow’s bright talent.
“There’s no shortage of ability – the issue is locating and correctly supporting it. If the industry doesn’t act on this, then others will, and we may see that talent go elsewhere – potentially even to the bad guys. Security must act quickly and resolutely to ensure this isn’t the case, and instead help the industry reach its full potential.”
