Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Acknowledged
Require HM Treasury and IPA to share insights on programme reset timeframes and review processes
Recommendation
On too many occasions, programmes have suffered from resets being done too quickly. The time needed to undertake a successful reset will vary case-by-case, influenced by factors such as the programme complexity and breadth of the reset. Resets of government programmes have on occasion taken less than three months and sometimes more than a year. Teams can underestimate how much time a reset can take. There can be pressures to complete resets quickly, with teams not being given the space and time to think about the next steps; if a reset is being undertaken it must be done properly, otherwise it simply increases the risk of further resets. Recommendation 4: By June 2024, HM Treasury and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority should have drawn together and shared with the profession its insights on the factors influencing the time needed to undertake a reset and Resetting government programmes 7 encourage programme teams to be realistic on the time they need. In doing this they should review their own processes to ensure they do not introduce milestones that incentivise rushed resets.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and states it will continue to encourage departments to allow sufficient time for resets, also highlighting the existing IPA ‘response to red’ process. It does not commit to drawing together and sharing specific insights by June 2024.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. influence the time required to undertake a reset, such as the overall complexity of the programme or project, so that departments allow sufficient time to undertake resets properly. The IPA’s ‘response to red’ process provides a structured route to escalate underperforming projects and programmes that may need to be reset. This seeks to balance supporting projects and programmes by giving them time and space to undertake a reset with ensuring efficiency and value for money are at the heart of decision making.