Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Paragraph: 81
Far too often, project managers and ministers prioritise time and cost at the expense of...
Conclusion
Far too often, project managers and ministers prioritise time and cost at the expense of benefits. The Committee has heard of projects delivering benefits that are reduced to the point of no longer exceeding the costs, or more frequently, the benefits being unclear entirely upon delivery.
Paragraph Reference:
81
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The UK Government delivers some of the most challenging, complex and innovative projects in the world. The scope and scale of these projects easily rivals the private sector, and some are the biggest in the world. It is crucial to invest time and energy in setting projects up for success, to obtain a clearer overview of the project lifecycle and make any required design changes when the cost of making these changes is still relatively low. Whilst successful project initiation can take more time at the start, this will be repaid many times over later on in delivery. In line with HMT Green Book guidance, all business cases are required to set out a benefits realisation strategy and put in place the management arrangements required to ensure that the project delivers its anticipated benefits. All projects must capture benefits within a benefits register. This register should also indicate how those benefits are to be realised and assign clear responsibilities. Government recognises that there is further work to be done, the IPA has embarked on the Get to Green programme, which will put in place a system-wide framework and toolkit to drive and support best practice in project delivery across government. This will support departments in getting the balance right and ensuring benefits are not being put to the side.