§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what audit mechanisms are in place to determine whether all Information Technology hardware and software products are being properly utilised in his Department. [151058]
§ Mr. BrowneThe Department's IT contracts require suppliers to co-operate fully with any audit requirements necessary for the Department to satisfy itself that supplier obligations are being discharged responsibly.
Internally there are safeguards built into the Department's systems. The approach to Digital Office Infrastructure (DOI) has been designed to prevent the unauthorised installation of software on the 1601W Department's systems. For the benefit systems there are automated tools that allow the Department to scrutinise audit trail data to prevent or detect improper use of systems. In addition there are a series of management checks that are carried out regularly on key business systems.
The Department aims to follow OGC guidance and best practice. Regarding the recommendations made in the NAO report "Purchasing and Managing Software Licences" the Department has already addressed the issues identified or has taken steps to address them.