Investors in People (Hansard, 5 February 2002)

§ John Healey

[holding answer 29 January 2002]: There is regular on-going consultation between my Department, the Learning and Skills Council, Small Business Service and Investors in People (IiP) UK about the future financing and delivery of Investors in People.

On 21 January 2002, in accordance with the Government's policy of conducting quinquennial reviews of all non-departmental public bodies, my Department started a review of Investors in People (IiP) UK. Following Cabinet Office guidelines, the terms of reference for the first stage of the review are: to review the role and functions of Investors in People UK as outlined in its remit letter, and the efficiency and effectiveness with which they have been carried out, and how these functions contribute to the delivery of wider DfES and Government objectives. to consider the continuing relevance and likely need for these functions in the future and whether there is a need for any reductions or expansion of these functions. to consider whether continued non-departmental public body status is the best way of delivering these functions or whether some, or all, of the functions could be delivered more efficiently and effectively through other means eg privatisation, contracting out, rationalisation or merger with other bodies. to consider what IiP UK's customers, end users of the Standard and other key stakeholders think about its role, performance and responsiveness to their needs.

We welcome comments on those matters to be covered by the review from all those with an interest in the work of IiP UK. Comments which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent by 8 March 2002 to:

Jan Gibbons
Department for Education and Skills
W8c Moorfoot
Sheffield S 1 4PQ
Or by e-mail to janice.gibbons@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

I have asked that the first stage of the review should be completed by spring 2002.