It is also important for you to understand what the CoMs will not be doing:
• Creating additional briefing requirements unless absolutely essential for them to perform their roles. CDM has directed that the default should be no written briefs unless specifically requested. There will certainly be no systematic/routine requirement for briefing to CoMs i.e. briefing requests will be issue specific. It is legitimate to question briefing needs (as it is for briefings to me); sometimes briefing is not always initiated by the Principal!
• Providing direction to clusters/teams. The line management chain is clear and straightforward and will be respected. It is however perfectly correct that the CoMs should have direct interaction with teams and clusters and their challenge and influence is entirely legitimate. I have no intention of being the 'man in the loop' on what should be a dynamic engagement, especially on matters relating to current operations.
• Providing instruction on movement of resources (human or financial) within clusters/teams. This will continue to be carried out strictly in accordance with the delegations in place. Although, again, the CoMs have a legitimate role in explaining to FLCs where DE&S pressures may affect outputs.
• Providing any direction or commitments to industry on any matters related to the business of my clusters/teams. The CoMs should continue however to sustain their industry engagement to keep themselves well appraised of current industry dynamics and emergent ideas and thinking.