Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many departmental Senior Civil Service away days have taken place in calendar year 2026 to date; in what specific venues; at what cost; and if there was any associated social or team-building activity at public expense.

Senior Civil Servants (SCS) are brought together to discuss departmental priorities. In 2026 there were three centrally delivered SCS conferences. Two events for Directors General and Directors in February (venue: Imperial College - £1,530) and July (venue: Abbey Centre - £4,661.68), the third for all SCS in April (venue: The Emirates - £45,156.64). The April event cost reflected that no suitable free-of-charge government or alternative venues were available. Costs include catering and AV production. Associated Travel and Subsistence costs are not included. There were no social or team-building activities at public expense. This applies to former DBT activity.