Budget 2020: APM’s response

Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, has responded to today’s budget and its implications for the project profession:

Debbie Dore, APM’s chief executive, said:

“This Budget and the forthcoming National Infrastructure Strategy seeks to turbo-charge and 'level-up' the economy, particularly through infrastructure investment and strengthening regional economic activity. While we understand the reasons for delaying the release of the National Infrastructure Strategy, we urge the Government not to lose sight of the value of projects in driving economic growth. APM’s new report ‘the Golden Thread – the Regional Picture’ shows how projects, and indeed project professionals can and will play a crucial role in economic development. Our research reveals that project management is making a significant contribution and has the potential to galvanise change – both economic and social. We expect project professionals will increasingly provide the skills and capability to deliver building blocks for a sustainable future. This report paints a detailed picture of how they will do so.

“We urge the government to use the extra time it now has before the release of the National Infrastructure Strategy to reflect on its proposals for skills development. Investing in people, as well as material resources, will create the skills necessary to deliver projects now and in the future. Skills development is increasingly how organisations seek to deliver beneficial change in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. Project professionals will need to develop skills that can address emerging challenges and deliver sustainable solutions. Whether projects form part of plans for tackling disease, building modern high-speed railways, tackling the effects of climate change or planning the construction of new homes, it is important that people have the right attributes and skillsets to adapt and thrive.”

John McGlynn, APM’s chair, said:

“Good project outcomes require the right conditions for success. While we advocate 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 plan for infrastructure investment. 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.”

The Golden Thread: the Regional Picture is available to download here