Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted
Dedicated 'space' and strategic pauses are crucial for effective government programme resets.
Conclusion
The C&AG’s report identified value in creating ‘space’ to reset a programme. To do this teams might generate or capitalise on opportunities to pause a programme (rather than resetting ‘in flight’); establish a dedicated reset team to focus on resetting; or not publicise details of a reset until it has been fully developed given how this could affect some stakeholders’ confidence in the programme.62 The SRO for Crossrail reflected that one of the challenges faced in undertaking a reset was the reset team retaining responsibility for the project at the same time.63 During a later reset on Crossrail, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause to work which allowed the team time to replan.64 Building the skills, leadership and governance
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the observation, committing that HM Treasury and the IPA will publish guidance for project delivery professionals by June 2024, outlining factors influencing reset times to ensure departments allow sufficient time to undertake resets properly.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2024 4.2 HM Treasury and the IPA will set out to project delivery professionals what factors 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. 4.3 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.