Project Management Disciplines
Best practice project and risk management disciplines should be the default practice within the Northern Ireland Civil Service when developing novel and complex policies and managing their implementation. These disciplines can be widely applied and should not be confined only to major or capital projects. They can be tailored to the specific circumstances of an initiative and are especially important when implementing policies designed to change behaviour or to make incentive payments to individuals or businesses. If there is insufficient resource to implement adequate project management then projects should not proceed.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted[Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 8-18, 24, 26-28, 32b, 34-36 together as a group under the 'Professional Skills, Resourcing, Record Keeping and Raising Concerns' themes.] NI Executive Response (October 2021): These recommendations can be accepted in full. They have been addressed in work to date through: strengthening of policy and guidance relating to project delivery; work to establish the new NICS Project Delivery Profession; accredited practitioner-level training in the Management of Risk methodology, available via NICSHR Learning & Development; amendment to the Treasury Orange Book (Risk Management); the Review of Business Case and Expenditure Approval processes; agreement by the NICS Board on the principles and procedures for use of SIB. Further work is required to: Establish the NICS Project Delivery Profession; Ensure that all Departments have in place a P3O Office, as set out in DAO 02/20; Bring forward proposals for the implementation of Portfolio Management; Implement the IPA's 'Get to Green' refresh of Gateway and wider Assurance Reviews; reform behaviours and culture to ensure a greater focus on risk management; improve the way in which departments work with Invest NI and SIB, ensuring that that partnership dovetails with Gateway and existing guidance on the obligations of the SRO; improve the reporting of risks to Ministers; develop cross-departmental collaboration and coordination through the PfG outcomes-based approach and the promotion of collaborative behaviours; ensure senior ownership of governance arrangements with third parties.
Progress Timeline
NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024): Implemented. Project and risk management disciplines established as default practice via updated Dear Accounting Officer letters, Gateway process, and Orange Book guidance. Previous Implemented assessment maintained.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Project Delivery Profession established. Gateway Review Process mandatory for projects over £5m. New programme and project management guidance issued March 2024. But PAC found £3bn overspend on major capital projects.
View detailed findings
A Project Delivery Profession has been established within NICS. SRO, project management, and contract management networks set up. Gateway Review Process mandatory for projects over £5m. New Programme and Project Management Guidance issued (FD (DoF) 02/24, March 2024). However, the PAC's follow-up report on Major Capital Projects found a £3bn overspend and called the lack of positive change unacceptable.