15 Acknowledged

NS&I launched risky parallel transitions lacking understanding and management of programme risks.

Conclusion
In taking forward the Programme, NS&I launched multiple procurements and planned to deliver four transitions in parallel, with no understanding of the risks that this was exposing the organisation and its customers to. NS&I said it had identified supply chain risk as a key area of focus.38 However, NS&I focused more on how it had handled past issues, telling the Committee how it had developed contingency plans when Atos had financial difficulties in 2023; it did not provide evidence that it had considered how to manage the current contracts.39 When asked if it was confident that it had resolved the issues with procurements, NS&I could only say that it had awarded contracts. NS&I acknowledged that these still contain the original milestone dates, which would need to be changed to take account of delays in NS&I’s Programme implementation.40
Government Response Summary
The Treasury and NS&I acknowledge concerns about the Programme's procurements and are committed to addressing them through robust planning, risk management, and governance, including developing a comprehensive integrated plan and strengthening systems integration capabilities.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Treasury and NS&I acknowledge these concerns and are committed to addressing them through robust planning, risk management, and governance. NS&I is working to develop a comprehensive integrated plan that includes clear timelines, cost estimates, and resource allocation. NS&I has strengthened its systems integration capabilities and is ensuring that decisions are based on sound evidence and analysis.
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 13 Feb 2026