British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Hansard, 21 November 2000)

§ Mr. Wills

In accordance with the Government's policy of conducting quinquennial reviews of all non-departmental public bodies, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Executive, is today beginning a review of the British136W Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta). Following Cabinet Office guidelines, the terms of reference for the first stage of the review will be: to review the role and functions of Becta as outlined in its remit letter, the efficiency and effectiveness with which they have been carried out and how these functions contribute to the delivery of wider DfEE and Government objectives; to consider the likely need for these functions in the future and whether there is a need for any reduction or expansion in the functions undertaken by Becta; to consider what Becta's customers and other interested parties think about its role, performance and responsiveness to their needs; to consider whether continued NDPB status is the best way of delivering these functions or whether some, or all, of the functions could be delivered more efficiently and effectively within an alternative organisational framework, including by another private, public or voluntary body or otherwise within Government; and to consider the powers, remit, objectives and status of Becta and the membership and role of the Board.

We should welcome comments on those matters to be covered by the review from all those with an interest in the work of Becta. Comments, which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent by 29 January 2001 to:

Angela Archer
Department for Education and Employment
Level 3C
Caxton House
6–12 Tothill Street
London SW IH 9NA

Or by e-mail to:

Becta.REVIEW@dfee.gov.uk

We have asked that this first stage of the review should be completed by the end of March 2001.