Committee publication · Correspondence · 1 July 2025

Annex D on HMRC Board Effectiveness Review 2024-25

Summary

This document summarises results from HMRC's 2024-25 Board Effectiveness Review, a Cabinet Office survey completed by 11 Board members in April 2025. The review uses structured questions across governance, strategy, performance, composition, culture, and support. Results show mixed confidence: strong agreement on governance clarity and individual contribution (45–81%), but weaker consensus on VOA oversight (9–36%) and notable divergence on board balance of formal/informal time (45% neutral).

Key findings

Governance arrangements rated clearly understood by 72% (roles and responsibilities), with 81% confident in Declarations of Interest compliance
Strategic direction shows 81% agreement the Board has clear objectives, though only 72% agree it provides clarity on meeting future challenges
VOA (Valuation Office Agency) oversight is the weakest area: only 18% agree the Board receives appropriate performance information, and only 36% confirm effective challenge of oversight arrangements
Board composition and culture rated positively: 81% affirm positive relationships between members and 90% feel able to contribute effectively
Overall Board performance rated 'Good' (45%) or 'Satisfactory' (36%), with Audit and Risk Committee rated 'Excellent' (45%) but Nominations and Governance Committee rated 'Poor' or 'Very poor' (36%)

Tone

Procedural

Topics

governancepublic-financedepartmental-oversight

Key actors

HMRC Board, Cabinet Office, Valuation Office Agency (VOA), Audit & Risk Committee, Nominations Committee, HMRC Permanent Secretary

Notable line

“The Board is operating more effectively now, compared with 12 months ago 36% 45% 9% 9% Actions identified as a result of last year's Board effectiveness evaluation process …”

Key Quotes

“Governance arrangements throughout the department are clear, aligned and effective”
— HMRC Board (survey respondents) · Governance arrangements section, with 72% agreement

“The Board receives appropriate and accurate information on departmental performance and delivery”
— HMRC Board (survey respondents) · Performance, Audit and Risk section, with 90% agreement

“The Board receives appropriate and accurate information, including key indicators, on the performance of the VOA”
— HMRC Board (survey respondents) · Executive Agency (VOA) Engagement section, with only 36% agreement

“I am able to contribute effectively to the Board”
— HMRC Board (survey respondents) · Contribution subsection, with 90% agreement

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Source · parliament.uk record ↗