The lack of cybersecurity experts in the UK government is a major concern, according to a new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Salary constraints mean the government sector is unable to fully compete with the private sector for hard-to-recruit roles due to a shortage of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals, which is particularly problematic. There is.
However, it was reported that some of the digital skills shortage was self-induced by counter-productive attrition, with the civil service struggling to recruit and retain people with the skills needed to fill the digital workforce. The book claims.
Cybersecurity experts are difficult to hire and require premium pay.
There is a significant digital skills shortage in the UK, making it difficult for sectors to recruit as skilled digital professionals are highly valued in the market. Digital transformation in government: Addressing efficiency barriers I read the report. The government estimates that the number of digital, data and technology experts in the civil service is around 4.5%. This is less than half of what is needed compared to comparable industry averages of 8% to 12%. Double. “Sectors are particularly facing talent shortages in roles such as data architects and cybersecurity experts, who are difficult to recruit and whose skills are highly valued in the market.”
Despite the importance of digital to modern civil services, the requirement for senior generalist leaders to have a deeper understanding of digital business has not been formalized, the PAC report argues. The PAC recommended that digital responsibilities, such as improving digital services and addressing the most at-risk legacy systems, should be included in the most senior-level appointment letters for all departments.
Don’t treat digital as a side hustle problem
One of the hallmarks of the digital revolution is that change is rapid and accelerating, commented PAC Chair Dame Meg Hillier MP. “Our research has found that Whitehall’s digital services are enabling only piecemeal and incremental change, rather than transforming at the pace required. and are hampered by a lack of support, accountability, and focus from governments.” The lack of cybersecurity experts in particular should send chills down governments’ spines. ”
She added that while the government talks about its ambitions for digital transformation and efficiency, it is actively cutting back on the very roles that could help achieve them. “Our research shows that we are not confident that these objectives will be achieved in the face of competing pressures and priorities.” Digital should not be treated as a mere supporting player; It needs to be at the core of how you think about delivery. “Without rapid and significant modernization, opportunities to improve services to our citizens will continue to be missed.”