Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the report by Gary Sturgess <i>Just Another Paperclip? Rethinking the Market for Complex Public Services</i>, published by the Business Services Association on 31 March.

In considering the long-term provision of public services via third-party contracts, the Government Chief Commercial Officer must work with Departments to address the five points made in Dr Sturgess’s report: sustainability, relationships, contracting process, capability and allocation of risks. It is recognised that much needs to be done; but recent progress has been rapid with the introduction of commercial operating standards, a central recruitment hub backed by an Assessment Centre, and more attractive remuneration for commercial specialists. The system of commercial standards drives adherence to policy, and departmental and functional governance ensure our commercial behaviours are on-market and sustainable.