Recommendation 19

On the 31 March 2024, the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) included 227 projects at a combined whole-life cost of £834 billion. NISTA needs to gain assurance about progress with major projects as this helps it to challenge projects to take corrective action and gives sponsors confidence in how they are progressing. Those involved in governance need to think through what internal and external assurance they need, when they will need it, what skills and experience this will require, and how the various types of assurance fit together in an integrated assurance plan. If assurance is designed badly, there is a risk that it becomes ongoing non- expert commentary which could cause delay and confuse accountability.36 We have repeatedly raised concerns over the Department for Transport (DfT) and HS2 Ltd having the skills and capability they need to lead the High Speed Two programme effectively and credibly.37 The Stewart Review found that HS2 Ltd and DfT as the Sponsor have been consistently underpowered in performing their roles. HS2 Ltd has lacked the capability to deal with the size and complexity of the project and DfT Sponsor team lacking the commercial and delivery experience as a client on major infrastructure projects.38