Pace of Pace - What have we achieved?
Seminar
Members Only Event
The Project Speed initiative was launched by the UK government in the Summer of 2020 with a promise to review every part of the major project lifecycle in persuit of Faster, Greener, Better delivery.
A series of pathfinder projects followed in the Spring of 2021, and in September the Infrastructure and Projects Authority published its Transforming Infrastructure Performance Roadmap to 2030, setting out a vision and action plan for reforming the delivery of major projects in the public sector. All of this work coincided with the COVID 19 pandemic during which a number of crucial projects had to be delivered at pace.
Chaired by Infrastructure and Projects Authority Chief Executive, Nick Smallwood, this seminar will explore what has been learnt from Project Speed and efforts elsewhere in the major projects world to accelerate delivery and secure benefits earlier.
Drawing on this insight, we will explore issues including:
- Which projects are good candidates for acceleration and why?
- What risks and opportunities are created by accleration and how can they be managed?
- How can projects embrace digitisation, Modern Methods of Construction, new delivery models and other innovations to deliver outcomes faster and more effectively.
- How should sponsorship and project leadership adapt to successfully deliver at pace...
- ... and how do project controls, assurance and other key processes also need to adapt?
The event registration is now closed.
JUN
15
Wednesday 15th June 2022
9:30am - 5:00pm
54 of 100 places filled
Programme
Wednesday 15th June 2022
09:30
Registration and coffee
10:00
Chair's introduction
Nick Smallwood CBE
Programme Development and Assurance Director Great British Energy - Nuclear
Nick Smallwood CBE
Programme Development and Assurance Director, Great British Energy - Nuclear
Nick Smallwood is the Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and Head of
Government’s Project Delivery Function. This includes overseeing the National Infrastructure and
Construction Pipeline in the UK, which contains projections of £600bn of public and private
infrastructure investment, and supporting the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, which contains
around 150 of the Government’s most complex and high-risk projects.
Nick is the former Vice President for Projects Engineering and Chief Projects Engineer at Shell. He
joined the IPA with 37 years’ experience of managing complex project portfolios and having developed Shell’s Global Project Academy. Nick was also a trustee of the board of the Association for Project
Management (APM) until November 2019, where he contributed to the overall development of the
UK’s project management profession.
Government’s Project Delivery Function. This includes overseeing the National Infrastructure and
Construction Pipeline in the UK, which contains projections of £600bn of public and private
infrastructure investment, and supporting the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, which contains
around 150 of the Government’s most complex and high-risk projects.
Nick is the former Vice President for Projects Engineering and Chief Projects Engineer at Shell. He
joined the IPA with 37 years’ experience of managing complex project portfolios and having developed Shell’s Global Project Academy. Nick was also a trustee of the board of the Association for Project
Management (APM) until November 2019, where he contributed to the overall development of the
UK’s project management profession.
10:15
Faster, Greener, Better - Understanding what Project Speed means for the New Hospital Programme's Delivery and Commercial Strategy
Emma-Jane Houghton
Commercial Director of the UK Fissile Programme AWE
Emma-Jane Houghton
Commercial Director of the UK Fissile Programme, AWE
Emma-Jane is a highly experienced infrastructure specialist with a strong executive advisor background in major infrastructure projects and a chartered quantity surveyor. Her expertise is based on both coal-face delivery and Big 4 advisory. Highlights include her roles at Terminal 5, East London Line Extension, Thameslink and London 2012. It is this mix of roles, and the very different delivery environments within which she operated, that sparked a deep interest in the link between commercial ‘ethos’ and the resulting performance of project teams and their extended supply chains. Her core expertise is in the creation and optimisation of collaborative structures including partnerships, alliances and joint ventures. She has used the learning from her delivery and consulting experience to design 21st century fit-for-purpose Commercial Functions that underpin UK mega-programmes.
Emma-Jane chairs the Crossrail 2 Expert Cost, Commercial and Risk Group (ERG) and the Institution of Civil Engineers' Civil Engineer of the Future Working Group. She is a Major in Engineering and Logistics Staff Corps commissioned to provide impartial and confidential advice to the British Armed Forces.
Emma-Jane chairs the Crossrail 2 Expert Cost, Commercial and Risk Group (ERG) and the Institution of Civil Engineers' Civil Engineer of the Future Working Group. She is a Major in Engineering and Logistics Staff Corps commissioned to provide impartial and confidential advice to the British Armed Forces.
Natalie Forrest
SRO New Hospital Programme Department of Health and Social Care
Natalie Forrest
SRO New Hospital Programme, Department of Health and Social Care
no bio
10:35
Speed, Sponsorship and the A66 Trans Pennine Improvements
David Haimes
Regional Investment Programme North Director National Highways
David Haimes
Regional Investment Programme North Director, National Highways
David is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Building (MCIOB). This supported an early career working for Tier 1 Contractors.
He has considerable experience in capital delivery, strategic transformational change programmes, asset development and process improvement projects. Prior to joining Highways England (HE) in October 2016 as the Regional Investment Programme (RIP) Director, David was part of the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) leadership team for 10 years. During this time he was involved in constructing, buying and selling of airports as well as transforming their operation. He acted as Programme Director on the Airport City (£850m) property development and as PMO Director for the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme; looking after £1bn of capital expenditure.
As RIP Director, David is accountable for the delivery of 82 schemes out of the 112 Roads Investment Strategy (RIS) 1 schemes. In the short time that he has been with RIP, he has increased the leadership within the team to reshape the delivery ability within HE; and developed a structure that maximises the potential of delivery. David is a firm believer in RIP relying on its people to be successful and that they have a major part to play in its future where part of HE or from their partners.
He has considerable experience in capital delivery, strategic transformational change programmes, asset development and process improvement projects. Prior to joining Highways England (HE) in October 2016 as the Regional Investment Programme (RIP) Director, David was part of the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) leadership team for 10 years. During this time he was involved in constructing, buying and selling of airports as well as transforming their operation. He acted as Programme Director on the Airport City (£850m) property development and as PMO Director for the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme; looking after £1bn of capital expenditure.
As RIP Director, David is accountable for the delivery of 82 schemes out of the 112 Roads Investment Strategy (RIS) 1 schemes. In the short time that he has been with RIP, he has increased the leadership within the team to reshape the delivery ability within HE; and developed a structure that maximises the potential of delivery. David is a firm believer in RIP relying on its people to be successful and that they have a major part to play in its future where part of HE or from their partners.
10:55
Discussion
11:15
Coffee
11:45
Programme Aerodynamics©: How to deliver change in an environment of high uncertainty and rapidly changing context - Lessons from the National Covid 19 Testing Programme
Philip Coleman
Partner, Major Programmes
Philip Coleman
Partner, Major Programmes
no bio
12:05
System Optimisation and moving from Construction to Production
James Crompton
Strategic Pipeline Alliance Director No longer at member organisation
James Crompton
Strategic Pipeline Alliance Director, No longer at member organisation
James is the Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) Director for Anglian Water. SPA is Anglian Waters latest Enterprise, predominately established to delivery the business’ Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP). James has over 25 years’ experience in the delivery of infrastructure investment projects and programmes of work. The last 12 years have been spent working in collaborative alliancing environments where teams are highly integrated and rewarded for out-performance and delivery of outcomes.
James is also a keen advocate and adopter of Project 13 and represents Anglian Water SPA on the P13 Steering Group. In addition, James chairs the P13 Water Hub.
James is also a keen advocate and adopter of Project 13 and represents Anglian Water SPA on the P13 Steering Group. In addition, James chairs the P13 Water Hub.
Paul Lucey
No longer at member organisation
Paul Lucey
No longer at member organisation
no bio
12:25
Utilising Modern Methods of Construction in the Ministry of Justice Capital Programme
Sue McElroy
East West Rail Company
Sue McElroy
East West Rail Company
no bio
12:45
Discussion
13:05
Lunch
14:05
Speed, Benefits and Risk - Lessons from the NAOs work on Delivering Programmes at Speed
Emma Willson
Director, Education VFM National Audit Office
Emma Willson
Director, Education VFM, National Audit Office
Having worked at the NAO for almost 20 years, Emma has substantial experience in auditing a range of government programmes. This includes managing detailed reviews across welfare reform and large-scale defence programmes, as well as directing work on the Restoration & Renewal of the Palace of Westminster.
Since 2021, Emma has led the NAO’s Major Projects team responsible for supporting NAO teams looking across government programmes from Crossrail to Ajax and Net Zero. Alongside this, Emma draws together and publishes insights from this work which has included reports on delivering programmes at speed; the value of portfolio thinking; and the NAO framework for auditing programmes.
Emma regularly presents on a range of issues identified by the NAO, including maximising the value from government programmes and managing the risks of infrastructure programmes. She is a qualified chartered accountant and holds an IACCM qualification.
Since 2021, Emma has led the NAO’s Major Projects team responsible for supporting NAO teams looking across government programmes from Crossrail to Ajax and Net Zero. Alongside this, Emma draws together and publishes insights from this work which has included reports on delivering programmes at speed; the value of portfolio thinking; and the NAO framework for auditing programmes.
Emma regularly presents on a range of issues identified by the NAO, including maximising the value from government programmes and managing the risks of infrastructure programmes. She is a qualified chartered accountant and holds an IACCM qualification.
14:25
A Focus on Unlocking Efficiencies and Improving Project Delivery Utilising Digital Engineering and Digital Twinning
Dr. Sonia Zahiroddiny
Interim CIO HS2 Ltd
Dr. Sonia Zahiroddiny
Interim CIO, HS2 Ltd
As the Interim CIO, Sonia is responsible for the strategic direction and management of HS2 Ltd’s Information and Technology state. As the former Head of Digital Engineering at HS2, Sonia led the implementation of Digital Engineering across the programme with a view to increase efficiency through design, construction, testing, operations, and maintenance. Through digital disruption and innovation her aim is to push the boundaries beyond BIM to enhance traditional ways of working and build a true data-driven culture for HS2 and the wider industry.
Prior to joining HS2, Sonia helped Transport for London (TfL) achieve BIM capability by developing and utilising standardised processes for the production, management, and delivery of asset information.
Sonia holds a PhD in Computer Sciences and BIM. Today she applies her theoretical grounding in Computer and Information Sciences and practical knowledge in Digital Engineering in the Rail and Construction industry.
Her passion is in bettering business lives by simplifying the process of decision making through digitisation, standardisation, collaboration, automation and use of the latest technology to maximise productivity.
Prior to joining HS2, Sonia helped Transport for London (TfL) achieve BIM capability by developing and utilising standardised processes for the production, management, and delivery of asset information.
Sonia holds a PhD in Computer Sciences and BIM. Today she applies her theoretical grounding in Computer and Information Sciences and practical knowledge in Digital Engineering in the Rail and Construction industry.
Her passion is in bettering business lives by simplifying the process of decision making through digitisation, standardisation, collaboration, automation and use of the latest technology to maximise productivity.
14:45
Discussion
15:05
Leaders collaborating – how can we go faster together?
Simon Kirby
Managing Partner The Nichols Group
Simon Kirby
Managing Partner, The Nichols Group
Simon joined HS2 Ltd in May 2014 from Network Rail where he was Managing Director of the Infrastructure Projects business, responsible for the delivery of all large enhancement and renewal infrastructure projects. He joined the Board in 2008, having been with the Company since 2003.
Prior to 2003, Simon held various positions in the Defence industry within VSEL, GEC Marconi and BAE Systems.
In addition to his duties on HS2, Simon is also a director of the Major Projects Association and the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering. Simon is also a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers (FICE), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) and the Association of Project Management (APM).
Prior to 2003, Simon held various positions in the Defence industry within VSEL, GEC Marconi and BAE Systems.
In addition to his duties on HS2, Simon is also a director of the Major Projects Association and the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering. Simon is also a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers (FICE), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) and the Association of Project Management (APM).
Rebecca Collings
Director of Collaboration & Change The Nichols Group
Rebecca Collings
Director of Collaboration & Change, The Nichols Group
Rebecca Collings is Director of Collaboration & Change at The Nichols Group. With over 20 years of experience in senior roles in central Government, she has delivered high profile transformation programmes, often engaging and working with complicated networks of stakeholders and partners. She now advises clients working to deliver complex projects and programmes across a variety of industries. Rebecca also leads on Nichols’ Purposeful Collaboration service, enabling partnering organisations on major projects to build or refresh their relationships, with clearer shared goals and a greater certainty of achieving them together. She is a full member of the Association for Project Management and sits on their Enabling Change committee.
16:05
Chair's closing comments
Nick Smallwood CBE
Programme Development and Assurance Director Great British Energy - Nuclear
Nick Smallwood CBE
Programme Development and Assurance Director, Great British Energy - Nuclear
Nick Smallwood is the Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and Head of
Government’s Project Delivery Function. This includes overseeing the National Infrastructure and
Construction Pipeline in the UK, which contains projections of £600bn of public and private
infrastructure investment, and supporting the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, which contains
around 150 of the Government’s most complex and high-risk projects.
Nick is the former Vice President for Projects Engineering and Chief Projects Engineer at Shell. He
joined the IPA with 37 years’ experience of managing complex project portfolios and having developed Shell’s Global Project Academy. Nick was also a trustee of the board of the Association for Project
Management (APM) until November 2019, where he contributed to the overall development of the
UK’s project management profession.
Government’s Project Delivery Function. This includes overseeing the National Infrastructure and
Construction Pipeline in the UK, which contains projections of £600bn of public and private
infrastructure investment, and supporting the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, which contains
around 150 of the Government’s most complex and high-risk projects.
Nick is the former Vice President for Projects Engineering and Chief Projects Engineer at Shell. He
joined the IPA with 37 years’ experience of managing complex project portfolios and having developed Shell’s Global Project Academy. Nick was also a trustee of the board of the Association for Project
Management (APM) until November 2019, where he contributed to the overall development of the
UK’s project management profession.
16:15
Close