1.9 To reduce headcount and make cost reductions the Department must address some critical factors. We considered its plan against NAO good practice, which cites the following factors for success:
• Learning from previous experience of change programmes.
• Rigour in planning.
• Good governance structures for planning and implementing change.
• Having management information systems that are sufficiently robust to monitor progress in reducing headcount and associated financial savings.
• Assessing skills (including specialist skills) needed for the future and plans to fill skills gaps.
• Identifying and mitigating the key risks to delivery.
• Implementing continuous improvement plans or changes to how the Department works.