16
Accepted
The Cabinet Office told us that The Consultancy Playbook sets out lessons learned on getting...
Conclusion
The Cabinet Office told us that The Consultancy Playbook sets out lessons learned on getting the best value from consultancy, including knowledge transfer and sharing best practice across departments. This may particularly apply to innovative digital and technology projects where a department does not have the necessary skills internally to undertake a transformation programme to increase efficiency.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's finding and confirms that the Cabinet Office is refreshing the Consultancy Playbook to include updated guidance on emerging technologies like AI, with an expected publication date of 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