Tag: Tom Watson

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-02-25.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to improve Black and minority ethnic representation in the Senior Civil Service his Department.

Matthew Hancock

The Cabinet Office promotes a number of cross Government talent schemes to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and disabled staff, to accelerate their promotion to Senior Civil Service roles. This includes Civil Service wide talent schemes such the Future Leaders Scheme (aimed at G6&7 staff) and the Senior Leaders Scheme (aimed at SCS Pay Band 1). Additionally, it promotes development schemes aimed specifically at BAME and disabled staff including the Accelerate talent programme (for SCS) and the Positive Action Pathway (for staff below SCS).

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-03-03.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on the future scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Matthew Hancock

I refer the hon Member to my Written Ministerial Statement of 1 March 2016 [Hansard reference HCWS566]

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-06-07.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to promote a whistleblowing culture in his Department.

Matthew Hancock

This Government has taken a number of steps to ensure effective whistleblowing practices are in place across Departments and to raise the profile and awareness of whilstleblowing. Updated and refreshed model whistleblowing policies are in place across all departments, providing information on sources of support available to whistleblowers, including access to employee assistance programmes, and advice on accessing legal support. In addition, we have improved support for Nominated Offices, and Departments have introduced dedicated whistleblowing hotlines and are publishing case studies on departmental intranet sites to build confidence that cases will be heard fairly and appropriately.

The Cabinet Office has developed a new data collection tool to enable HR Directors to collect information on whistleblowing cases including how cases have been resolved, identification of systemic issues, and lessons learned. Departments are using this tool to report to their Departmental Boards, and to the Cabinet Office, on a 6 monthly basis.

More details on action taken by specific Departments, including the first set of data collated by Departments, can be found in the Cabinet Office’s recent report to the Public Accounts Committee: http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/public-accounts-committee/whistleblowing-recall/written/31692.html

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-06-28.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans the Government has to consult opposition parties on and during the process of negotiating the UK exit from the EU.

Mr Oliver Letwin

This will be a decision for the next Prime Minister.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-07-12.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to improve BME representation on the Board of his Department.

Ben Gummer

Diversity and inclusion is a key priority for the Civil Service and for the Cabinet Office. The Executive Committee of the Cabinet Office recently commissioned work on a departmental diversity and inclusion strategy, which will be published this month. This strategy promotes a more inclusive culture in the department through key strands of work on leadership, declaration data, supporting those from under-represented groups and promoting the work of the employee diversity networks. A key aim of the strategy is to promote the advancement of those from all under-represented groups, including women and black and minority ethnic staff.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-07-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to consult Parliament on the triggering of Article 50.

Mr Robin Walker

The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected and delivered. While legally there is no obligation to consult Parliament on triggering Article 50, it will clearly have an important role in making sure that we find the best way forward.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many former special advisers of her Department submitted applications under the business appointment rules between June 2014 and October 2015.

Sarah Newton

The information requested is available at:

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/advisory-committee-on-business-appointments

where details of all recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments in response to applications submitted under these rules are published.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to ensure that business appointment rules are enforced for civil servants after leaving the Civil Service.

Ben Gummer

The Business Appointment Rules apply to all civil servants. The rules make clear the process for compliance. The aim of the Rules is to avoid any reasonable concerns that a civil servant might be influenced in carrying out his or her official duties by the hope or expectation of future employment with a particular firm or organisation. The Government’s view is that the rules are effective in managing departures from the civil service.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-09-08.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many officials of his Department provide secretariat support to unpaid advisors.

Ben Gummer

There are no unpaid special advisers in the Cabinet Office.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Watson on 2016-10-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to reform the regulation of fixed odds betting terminals.

Tracey Crouch

The Government announced a review of Gaming Machines on 24 October which will look at evidence in regards to stakes and prizes of gaming machines; the number and location of gaming machines; and social responsibility measures to protect players and communities from gambling-related harm, including gambling advertising.

This review will include a close look at the issue of sub-category B2 gaming machines (more commonly known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals – FOBTs) and specific concerns about the harm they cause, be that to the players themselves or the local communities in which they are located. This is the correct mechanism in which to look again at this issue.

There is now an opportunity for anyone with an interest in this matter to submit evidence for consideration. The Call for Evidence period ends on 4 December 2016.