Purpose of the audit
This audit examined whether Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) had adopted leading IT system development practices and had the change management processes, skills, training, and governance to effectively update and modernize the Department’s IT systems in an agile fashion to support the fast pace of change. The audit team examined the activities of the Service Delivery Branch and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) group within the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Branch.
Key findings
VAC has adopted effective project management and system development practices to support digital modernization. VAC has embraced an agile methodology for delivering digital technologies and services which is highly aligned to the Government of Canada’s Digital Standards and direction for digital delivery. This approach is relatively new to the Department, and work is to be done to communicate the benefits and develop the digital literacy across the organization. Improvements can be made to strengthen the departmental frameworks and guidance on system development and ensure program areas are adequately involved in all areas of digital modernization.
Highlights of the recommendations
It is recommended that VAC develop a benefits realization framework and a System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) framework which is consistent with the Department’s agile approach, and develop additional guidance to support employee adoption of agile development. The Department should further refine its change management practices and digital governance to ensure adequate engagement from program areas and a common understanding of the Department’s digital prioritization.
Chief Audit Executive’s signature
Lindy McQuillan, CPA, CMA
Chief Audit Executive
Veterans Affairs Canada