APM responds to new report on the Government’s infrastructure commitments

A new report ‘Delivering the Government’s infrastructure commitments through major projects’ has been issued by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, which calls on Government to clarify its overall aims for major infrastructure spending as soon as possible and provide greater detail on how it will support economic development and regional growth.

In response to the report, David Thomson, head of external affairs at Association for Project Management (APM) said:

“We welcome the report’s focus on the benefits of well-planned and executed project management as a key to the successful delivery of the government’s major projects.  We particularly welcome the committee’s focus on having the right investment in skills to ensure this happens, with a narrative on transformational benefits and not just on time and cost factors. The committee rightly recognises that ministers need the right skills and decision-making framework to initiate and oversee major projects, and so we welcome the Government’s innovative commitment for training for government ministers, as part of a wider cultural change in how major public projects are planned and delivered.

 “Good project outcomes require the right conditions for success, therefore we agree with the Committee’s stress on advocating a long-term view. We acknowledge the Government’s need – due to unprecedented circumstances caused by the coronavirus outbreak – to prioritise short term goals and postpone the launch of the National Infrastructure Strategy. Despite this delay, it is vital not to lose sight of the need to properly plan for infrastructure investment and major projects.  Any ‘surge’ in new projects must be matched by the capability to deliver them well and with the public good in mind. We have to ensure the delivery of these projects factor in rapid changes in technological innovation and Government targets to deliver net zero carbon emissions. A robust National Infrastructure Strategy will be crucial for achieving this.”

 You can see the full report here