AQW 20605/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 15/01/2025
Answered On Date: 23/01/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the current work being undertaken by her Department's Innovation Lab.

Answer:

Following an organisational review, the Innovation Lab merged with Business Consultancy Services (BCS) in April 2024 to form Innovation and Consultancy Services (ICS). The services offered by ICS now include those previously available within the Innovation Lab and these are detailed in the ICS 2024/25 Service Brochure which is available at: Innovation and Consultancy Services (ICS) | Department of Finance.

ICS supports the public sector to deliver better outcomes for citizens through the provision of independent advice and insights in relation to setting direction; evaluation & design; and strengthening governance. To date in 2024/25, ICS has completed 18 projects for clients in these areas, with a further 44 projects currently underway.