Members of Parliament (MPs) have begun assessing the state’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects and how procurement could be reformed to improve project delivery.
Collaborating via the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPGs) for Project Delivery, which is supported by the Association for Project Management, MPs launched two inquiries today (28 September), one into state effectiveness and the other into procurement.
They are not government-backed inquiries.
MPs and peers are able to work together in semi-official groupings called APPGs, where they can coordinate work, such as inquiries.
The Improving State Effectiveness in Delivering National Infrastructure Projects inquiry will “investigate how we can bridge the gap in government between policy development and project delivery, embedding project delivery expertise within the state to ensure that infrastructure projects are delivered effectively, generate maximum economic and social value, and contribute to a coherent long-term national strategy,” the APPG said.
The research will assess whether the civil service has the skills and governance needed for successful project delivery.
Meanwhile, the Inquiry into Getting Procurement Right: Lessons for Government-Sponsored Projects will “examine how procurement and contract management can be reformed to improve project delivery, strengthen public trust, and ensure that government-sponsored projects can be delivered on time and on budget,” the APPG added.
“It will also consider how procurement can support wider economic and social objectives, including boosting innovation, providing economic growth and strengthening supply chains.”
The APPG said it was seeking input from project professionals, civil servants, businesses, academics and other relevant experts.
All-Party Parliamentary Group for Project Delivery chair Henry Tufnell said: “Government is good at setting policy ambition, but too often the system has failed to deliver them.
“We know there is a missing link between policy and delivery when it comes to major projects. Our constituents expect us to address that.”
Association for Project Management head of policy and public affairs Andrew Baldwin said: “Project delivery is where policy ambition becomes reality.
“With a vast number of major projects and programmes either underway or in the pipeline, success depends on how we embed delivery expertise in Government decision-making and ensure procurement supports project success and long-term outcomes.
“We are delighted to see parliamentarians putting into sharp focus the issues that impact major projects, aiming to spread best practice.”