19 GDS's early impact across government shows that there is a key role for it as a central function responsible for promoting new approaches and developing expertise. The importance of technology and data in supporting transformation is now widely accepted across government. Both GDS and departments are learning from their experiences of the last five years.
20 There is, however, a long way to go. Digital transformation has a mixed track record across government. It has not yet provided a level of change that will allow government to further reduce costs while still meeting people's needs. GDS has also struggled to demonstrate the value of its own flagship initiatives such as Verify, or to set out clear priorities between departmental and cross-government objectives.
21 GDS's renewed approach aims to address many of these concerns as it expands and develops into a more established part of government. But there continues to be a risk that GDS is trying to cover too broad a remit with unclear accountabilities. To achieve value for money and support transformation across government, GDS needs to be clear about its role and strike a balance between robust assurance and a more consultative approach.