Recommendation 23

As a reset is a fundamental or substantial change to what a programme will achieve, or how it is delivered, it cannot be managed through routine change control procedures.82 We heard from the SRO for Ajax that when undertaking resets, it was important to understand the root causes of issues rather than just the symptoms. The IPA and HM Treasury reiterated the importance of this in helping to get resets right and avoid further unnecessary resets.83 Understanding the causes will also make it easier for programmes to set out the reset aims and focus efforts, as well as establish clear measures to assess if the reset is realistic and monitor its success.84