15
Accepted
In May 2021, the government established the Government Consulting Hub (GCH) to improve its use...
Conclusion
In May 2021, the government established the Government Consulting Hub (GCH) to improve its use of consultants and provide an in-house alternative. It employed around 70 to 100 staff and charged costs to departments using its services. The GCH published the Consultancy Playbook which offers departments relevant guidance on how to procure, manage and learn from consultants. The Cabinet Office closed the GCH on 31 January 2023 as part of efforts to reduce the civil service headcount. Following its closure, in-house consulting services and the knowledge- sharing platform were discontinued. Since GCH’s closure, the Government Commercial Function (GCF) has been responsible for the Consultancy Playbook, as well as the related Sourcing Playbook. The Consultancy Playbook was last updated in 2022.36
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's finding and states that the Cabinet Office is currently refreshing the Consultancy Playbook to include guidance on emerging technologies like AI, with publication expected by July 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: July 2026 4.2 The Cabinet Office is currently refreshing the Consultancy Playbook which will incorporate updated guidance about use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Following consultation with departments and industry, the department expects to publish the updated guidance by July 2026.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
71st Report - Government’s use of external consultants
11 Mar 2026
HC 1521
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.4 yrs
Report published
11 Mar 2026