The 2011 Department for Education Interim Capability Assessment provides a summary of the Department’s capability in three key areas:

  • leadership
  • strategy
  • delivery

The report identifies areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement. Capability reviews were introduced by the Cabinet Office in 2006, to improve accountability and delivery of public services.

Permanent Secretary Sir David Bell said:

"I am pleased to publish this Interim Capability Assessment of the Department for Education today. Under the leadership of a dynamic and reforming Secretary of State, the Department has been at the forefront of implementing the Coalition government's domestic policy programme since May 2010.

"Our capability has been tested, yet much has been achieved. At the same time though, we have highlighted areas for action through this assessment. Its interim nature provides an opportunity for the Department to respond quickly, ahead of a full capability review which will be undertaken in the future.

"It will be for the new Permanent Secretary and their leadership team, with the support of the non executive Board members, to continue the Department’s improvement journey with staff who want, more than anything else, to improve the lives and life chances of children and young people, irrespective of background."

Anthony Salz, Lead Non Executive Member of the Departmental Board, said:

"I am pleased that the Department has conducted such a thorough interim assessment of its capability. The review has identified a number of real strengths in the Department. It has also identified areas for improvement to move the Department from good to great. I am confident that the right areas have been identified.

"The Department is fortunate to have staff who are hugely committed to the vision of achieving a highly educated society with more equal opportunities for its children and young people. With the agenda provided by this review and the commitment of the Department’s staff, a new leadership team will be well placed to make substantial progress over the next year and beyond.

"The non executive Board members will be challenging the department to grasp the opportunities for improvement that the review has identified."