Annual Conference 2025 - Mission Possible: Improving the connectedness of major projects
Annual Conference
Members Only Event
Bookings are now open for this year's Annual Conference. This event is not bookable via our website - please contact sascha.flint@majorprojects.org to secure your place!
We're excited to announce that this year's Annual Conference will be held at a new venue: Hotel La Tour, Milton Keynes. Member organisations are invited to book one space initially - for either your Main Representative or a nominated colleague (please see note below regarding recommended attendees). Places are limited to one per organisation, subject to availability, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Attendance is included in your membership fee and covers the full conference programme, meals and overnight accommodation, provided by the Major Projects Association.
Mission Possible: Improving the connectedness of major projects
In an era of profound public policy reform, where government's strategic priorities are articulated through missions - not departments - how can major projects step up to deliver greater value? This year's Annual Conference will explore how we join up the initiation and delivery of major projects with the UK Government's evolving missions agenda, as laid out in the Prime Minister's Plan for Change.
Mission-based government promises to tackle society's grand challenges - clean energy, economic growth, health, and net zero - through cross-sector, outcome-focused collaboration. It offers a chance for major projects to contribute in ways that go beyond traditional delivery models and metrics. But to do so effectively, we must rethink how we plan, govern and manage major projects and programmes. We need to better understand the interconnectedness of our major projects - with what we already have, what else is being delivered and other initiatives being planned or considered.
This conference will delve into what the shift from transactional to portfolio-based project thinking means in practice. From reforms to Green Book with the introduction of place-based business cases, to the formation of mission boards and NISTA, the major projects landscape is being reshaped to enable interconnected, system-wide thinking. How should project sponsors, clients, contractors, advisors, investors and regulators respond? What capabilities will we need? And how do we deliver at mission or portfolio level without losing sight of accountability at project level? With water companies looking to build their own power supply, energy companies looking to build their own desalination plants to secure the water they need, and transport authorities focused more on housing and place-making, it is clear that the days of isolating projects scope to a primary objective are over. How should benefits be valued, measured and shared across a programme portfolio? Perhaps we no longer have, say, transport, energy or water projects but omni-projects that deliver a little bit of everything?
Through keynote contributions, sector case studies, and interactive syndicate work, the conference will spotlight the systematic shifts required across policy, planning, procurement, and delivery. Delegates will hear insights on how spatial, systems and portfolio approaches can break down silos - both within government and across industry.
Expect thoughtful contributions from senior leaders and academic experts in systems thinking and project governance. The programme will include real-world perspectives on interconnectivity from energy, transport, water and public services, culminating in collaborative syndicate discussions, where members will co-develop practical recommendations to take forward.
This is not just a conference about what needs to change - but how we can change. It's an opportunity to shape the future role of major projects in delivering public value and national resilience.
Keynote
James Murray MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
James Murray was appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 1 September 2025. He previously held the office of Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, having been shadow Financial Secretary for three and a half years before that.
He has served as the Member of Parliament for Ealing North since 2019.
Perspectives report: Mission-led major projects
Ahead of the conference, we're pleased to share our latest perspectives report on Mission-led major projects, exploring how the UK's evolving missions agenda is reshaping the way we govern, plan and deliver.
The report highlights:
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How missions shift focus from departments to outcomes.
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The role of industry, regulators and government in working together.
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The changes needed in leadership, accountability and communication.
Who should attend?
Those involved in major projects seeking to understand and/or embed systems thinking, collaborative delivery, and strategic alignment into the heart of major projects. We ask Main Reps to consider who would be best from your organisation to attend the conference - both in terms of learning and contribution. Strategic thinkers are ideal!
Booking your place
This event is not bookable via the website. For registration, please contact sascha.flint@majorprojects.org.
This event is not bookable online
Get in touch for more information regarding this event: mpa@majorprojects.org
OCT
06
Monday 6th - Tuesday 7th October 2025
4:30pm - 3:30pm
100 of 100 places filled
0 Remaining
Programme
Monday 6th
17:30
Arrival and registration
18:30
Drinks and networking
19:00
Chair's welcome
Nirmal Kotecha
Chair Major Projects Association
Nirmal Kotecha
Chair, Major Projects Association
Nirmal was appointed Chair of the Major Projects Association in April 2025. He is a Partner at Allora Infrastructure and an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Thames Water. He has held senior roles in several Major Infrastructure Client organisations across a number of sectors including, Energy, Roads, and Water, and led the transformation of their procurement, commercial and programme delivery capability.
He stepped down from UK Power Networks in 2024 after serving over 12 years on the Executive Team as the Director of Capital Programme & Procurement, having successfully delivered its ED1 major capital programme via the ED1SON Alliance.
Nirmal was previously on the Board of the Highways Agency for four years, as their Major Projects Director, having joined on the back of the Nichols’ Review in 2007, and is credited with transforming the Agency’s commercial and programme delivery capability.
Prior to that, he was at Anglian Water where he developed the @One Alliance which is still regarded as an exemplary model for collaboratively delivering a large and complex programme of works.
Nirmal is the immediate past Chair of the Infrastructure Client Group Management Board and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply and is an Alumnus of the London Business School.
He stepped down from UK Power Networks in 2024 after serving over 12 years on the Executive Team as the Director of Capital Programme & Procurement, having successfully delivered its ED1 major capital programme via the ED1SON Alliance.
Nirmal was previously on the Board of the Highways Agency for four years, as their Major Projects Director, having joined on the back of the Nichols’ Review in 2007, and is credited with transforming the Agency’s commercial and programme delivery capability.
Prior to that, he was at Anglian Water where he developed the @One Alliance which is still regarded as an exemplary model for collaboratively delivering a large and complex programme of works.
Nirmal is the immediate past Chair of the Infrastructure Client Group Management Board and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply and is an Alumnus of the London Business School.
19:15
Keynote
James Murray MP
Chief Secretary to the Treasury HM Government
James Murray MP
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, HM Government
James Murray was appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 1 September 2025. He previously held the office of Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, having been shadow Financial Secretary for three and a half years before that.
He has served as the Member of Parliament for Ealing North since 2019.
He has served as the Member of Parliament for Ealing North since 2019.
20:15
Dinner and networking
07:00
Breakfast
08:30
Welcome
Andy Murray
Executive Director Major Projects Association
Andy Murray
Executive Director, Major Projects Association
Andy is the Executive Director of the Major Projects Association, prior to which he spent 30 years as a practitioner, consultant and assurer of complex projects and programmes for public, private and third sector organisations both domestically and internationally. He has a focus on project governance, the treatment of inherent project complexity and organisational development of project capability.
Andy is a respected author, having worked with HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Association for Project Management (APM) and Axelos to develop best practice guidance on their behalf. Publications include PRINCE2, P3M3, Routemap and the Governance of Co-Owned Projects. He was cited in the Sunday Telegraph’s business supplement as one of the most influential people in project management. He is the Chair of the APM’s Governance Special Interest Group, the Chair of the IPA’s independent project advisory group for the Project Initiation Routemap and is the engagement workstream lead for the Project Data Analytics Task Force.
Andy is a collaborative and inclusive senior leader with a track record of building high-performing teams both within his organisation, across partnerships and with voluntary groups.
Outside of work Andy spends his time mountain biking or helping out Willaston FC (a community football club) as treasurer and manager of the Under 14s team.
Andy is a respected author, having worked with HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Association for Project Management (APM) and Axelos to develop best practice guidance on their behalf. Publications include PRINCE2, P3M3, Routemap and the Governance of Co-Owned Projects. He was cited in the Sunday Telegraph’s business supplement as one of the most influential people in project management. He is the Chair of the APM’s Governance Special Interest Group, the Chair of the IPA’s independent project advisory group for the Project Initiation Routemap and is the engagement workstream lead for the Project Data Analytics Task Force.
Andy is a collaborative and inclusive senior leader with a track record of building high-performing teams both within his organisation, across partnerships and with voluntary groups.
Outside of work Andy spends his time mountain biking or helping out Willaston FC (a community football club) as treasurer and manager of the Under 14s team.
08:35
Inclusion moment
Catherine Barnett-Jaafar
Director EY
Catherine Barnett-Jaafar
Director, EY
Catherine brings over 20 years of experience in advising on multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects across the globe, including eight years in the Middle East. As a leader in EY's UK&I Sustainable Infrastructure team, leading Social Infrastructure, she has advised on multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects across a wide range of sectors: Social Infrastructure (and place-making programmes), Transport (roads, rail, ports and airports), Energy and Energy Transition, and Defence.
Her expertise lies in structuring major projects to benefit all stakeholders—from beneficiaries and investors to the supply chain. She focuses on building operational organizations that inspire confidence and successfully deliver on their goals.
Catherine graduated from University College of London with a degree in Project Management for Construction and is an active member of the Infrastructure Diversity Charter, launched by the National Infrastructure Commission in February 2025.
Her expertise lies in structuring major projects to benefit all stakeholders—from beneficiaries and investors to the supply chain. She focuses on building operational organizations that inspire confidence and successfully deliver on their goals.
Catherine graduated from University College of London with a degree in Project Management for Construction and is an active member of the Infrastructure Diversity Charter, launched by the National Infrastructure Commission in February 2025.
08:40
Chair's introduction
Nirmal Kotecha
Chair Major Projects Association
Nirmal Kotecha
Chair, Major Projects Association
Nirmal was appointed Chair of the Major Projects Association in April 2025. He is a Partner at Allora Infrastructure and an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Thames Water. He has held senior roles in several Major Infrastructure Client organisations across a number of sectors including, Energy, Roads, and Water, and led the transformation of their procurement, commercial and programme delivery capability.
He stepped down from UK Power Networks in 2024 after serving over 12 years on the Executive Team as the Director of Capital Programme & Procurement, having successfully delivered its ED1 major capital programme via the ED1SON Alliance.
Nirmal was previously on the Board of the Highways Agency for four years, as their Major Projects Director, having joined on the back of the Nichols’ Review in 2007, and is credited with transforming the Agency’s commercial and programme delivery capability.
Prior to that, he was at Anglian Water where he developed the @One Alliance which is still regarded as an exemplary model for collaboratively delivering a large and complex programme of works.
Nirmal is the immediate past Chair of the Infrastructure Client Group Management Board and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply and is an Alumnus of the London Business School.
He stepped down from UK Power Networks in 2024 after serving over 12 years on the Executive Team as the Director of Capital Programme & Procurement, having successfully delivered its ED1 major capital programme via the ED1SON Alliance.
Nirmal was previously on the Board of the Highways Agency for four years, as their Major Projects Director, having joined on the back of the Nichols’ Review in 2007, and is credited with transforming the Agency’s commercial and programme delivery capability.
Prior to that, he was at Anglian Water where he developed the @One Alliance which is still regarded as an exemplary model for collaboratively delivering a large and complex programme of works.
Nirmal is the immediate past Chair of the Infrastructure Client Group Management Board and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply and is an Alumnus of the London Business School.
08:55
An academic perspective: Interconnectedness
Dr. Nicholas Dacre
Director of the Advanced Project Management Research Centre (APROM) & Associate Professor of Project Management University of Southampton Business School
Dr. Nicholas Dacre
Director of the Advanced Project Management Research Centre (APROM) & Associate Professor of Project Management, University of Southampton Business School
Dr Nicholas Dacre is the Director of the Advanced Project Management Research Centre (APROM), Editor in Chief of Sage Business Cases: Project Management Series, and Associate Professor of Project Management at University of Southampton Business School. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Association for Project Management (FAPM), and Chair of the British Academy of Management Project Management Special Interest Group.
With over 20 years of experience spanning academia and industry, Nicholas has developed a significant track record of developing high-impact research by actively collaborating with international partners, industry experts, and the UK government on emergent ‘ITS Complex’ research topics, focused on Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability in Complex Projects, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Project Management.
Nicholas’s research portfolio includes over 80 publications, with recent work published in journals including Information Systems Journal, Project Management Journal, Government Information Quarterly, and Production Planning & Control.
With over 20 years of experience spanning academia and industry, Nicholas has developed a significant track record of developing high-impact research by actively collaborating with international partners, industry experts, and the UK government on emergent ‘ITS Complex’ research topics, focused on Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability in Complex Projects, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Project Management.
Nicholas’s research portfolio includes over 80 publications, with recent work published in journals including Information Systems Journal, Project Management Journal, Government Information Quarterly, and Production Planning & Control.
Professor Jeni Giambona
Professor of Systems Thinking & Associate Dean (KEE) University of Southampton Business School
Professor Jeni Giambona
Professor of Systems Thinking & Associate Dean (KEE), University of Southampton Business School
Professor Jeni Giambona is a Professor of Systems Thinking and the Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise (KEE) at the University of Southampton Business School (USBS). As such, she leads USBS’s development of collaborations with both external organisations from all sectors and the wider public, to ensure positive social impact. She has led collaborative projects with high-profile stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
Jeni is a leader in systems thinking, stakeholder co-creation and decarbonising infrastructure. She has directed flagship leadership development programmes in systems thinking and has collaborated widely with industry, government and academia on systems approaches to infrastructure design and delivery.
Jeni is a leader in systems thinking, stakeholder co-creation and decarbonising infrastructure. She has directed flagship leadership development programmes in systems thinking and has collaborated widely with industry, government and academia on systems approaches to infrastructure design and delivery.
09:25
Joining things up: A spatial approach
Joanna Averley
Chief Planner and Head of the Planning Profession Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Joanna Averley
Chief Planner and Head of the Planning Profession, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Joanna Averley is the government’s Chief Planner and Head of the Planning Profession, based in the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). She advises ministers on policy and practice relating to town and country planning and high profile and complex planning cases. She is also responsible for urban design and placemaking policy, and for the government’s Planning Capacity and Capability Programme, which aims to equip local planning authorities to deliver planning reform and unlock housing delivery.
Joanna has been Chief Planner since 2020. She has over 30 years’ experience working across tiers of government, major projects and with the public and third sector. She has been involved in all aspects of planning: research, policy, practice, and project delivery. Before becoming Chief Planner, Joanna worked on the interface between major railway projects and planning, housing delivery and regeneration on HS2 Ltd and Crossrail 2. She has also worked on major regeneration and masterplanning projects, from Manchester City Centre to the London Olympics.
Joanna’s previous roles have included 10 years as Deputy CEO and Director of Design and Planning Advice at CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), working on a wide variety of public sector capital programmes and policy; CEO and a Trustee of Centre for Cities; Director of Design for the Olympic Delivery Authority; CEO of LandAid; and consultancy. Her non-executive roles have included Trustee of MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), London Mayor’s Design Advocate, Chair of the London Borough of Wandsworth’s Design Review Panel and external examiner of the Cities Programme at the London School of Economics.
Joanna has been Chief Planner since 2020. She has over 30 years’ experience working across tiers of government, major projects and with the public and third sector. She has been involved in all aspects of planning: research, policy, practice, and project delivery. Before becoming Chief Planner, Joanna worked on the interface between major railway projects and planning, housing delivery and regeneration on HS2 Ltd and Crossrail 2. She has also worked on major regeneration and masterplanning projects, from Manchester City Centre to the London Olympics.
Joanna’s previous roles have included 10 years as Deputy CEO and Director of Design and Planning Advice at CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), working on a wide variety of public sector capital programmes and policy; CEO and a Trustee of Centre for Cities; Director of Design for the Olympic Delivery Authority; CEO of LandAid; and consultancy. Her non-executive roles have included Trustee of MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), London Mayor’s Design Advocate, Chair of the London Borough of Wandsworth’s Design Review Panel and external examiner of the Cities Programme at the London School of Economics.
09:40
Joining things up: A systems approach
Dr. Ivan Lucic
Senior Director of Integrated Systems Jacobs
Dr. Ivan Lucic
Senior Director of Integrated Systems, Jacobs
Ivan Lucic is an expert in systems assurance and integration, renowned for delivering risk-based, pragmatic solutions on some of the UK’s most complex rail projects. As Senior Director of Integrated Systems at Jacobs, Ivan brings a wealth of experience in driving organisational change, building high-performing, diverse teams, and championing continuous improvement across major infrastructure programs.
A passionate advocate for systems thinking, Ivan has played a pivotal role in advancing the ‘Connect to Change’ initiative, focusing on unlocking the value of systems thinking within the built environment.
As a creative and accomplished communicator, Ivan has extensively published and contributed to the development of international standards in systems assurance and safety. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to growing the cohort of systems thinkers and advancing best practices across the industry.
A passionate advocate for systems thinking, Ivan has played a pivotal role in advancing the ‘Connect to Change’ initiative, focusing on unlocking the value of systems thinking within the built environment.
As a creative and accomplished communicator, Ivan has extensively published and contributed to the development of international standards in systems assurance and safety. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to growing the cohort of systems thinkers and advancing best practices across the industry.
09:55
Joining things up: A portfolio approach
Oliver Fisher
Chief Investment Officer HM Revenue & Customs
Oliver Fisher
Chief Investment Officer, HM Revenue & Customs
Oliver Fisher was appointed Chief Transformation Investment Officer at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in September 2025.
He has served at HMRC and its predecessor, the Inland Revenue, since the 1990s. Oliver began his career as a Tax Inspector on the south coast before moving into a series of Head Office roles in London.
From April 2015, he was Deputy Director of Strategy Development, where he led the formative thinking on Making Tax Digital (MTD), before going on to shape and deliver the strategy and policy for MTD between 2016 and 2018. He subsequently moved into HMRC Strategies in 2018 and was later appointed Director of Investment Planning, jointly leading HMRC’s work on the 2020 and 2021 Spending Reviews.
In April 2022, Oliver became Chief Portfolio Officer, overseeing major investments and programmes across the organisation. Alongside his leadership roles, he has also acted as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for two major HMRC projects: the Digitisation of Business Rates, and the implementation of a new project and programme management tool within HMRC.
He has served at HMRC and its predecessor, the Inland Revenue, since the 1990s. Oliver began his career as a Tax Inspector on the south coast before moving into a series of Head Office roles in London.
From April 2015, he was Deputy Director of Strategy Development, where he led the formative thinking on Making Tax Digital (MTD), before going on to shape and deliver the strategy and policy for MTD between 2016 and 2018. He subsequently moved into HMRC Strategies in 2018 and was later appointed Director of Investment Planning, jointly leading HMRC’s work on the 2020 and 2021 Spending Reviews.
In April 2022, Oliver became Chief Portfolio Officer, overseeing major investments and programmes across the organisation. Alongside his leadership roles, he has also acted as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for two major HMRC projects: the Digitisation of Business Rates, and the implementation of a new project and programme management tool within HMRC.
10:10
Panel discussion: Improving connectedness in a a transactional world
Professor Jeni Giambona
Professor of Systems Thinking & Associate Dean (KEE) University of Southampton Business School
Professor Jeni Giambona
Professor of Systems Thinking & Associate Dean (KEE), University of Southampton Business School
Professor Jeni Giambona is a Professor of Systems Thinking and the Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise (KEE) at the University of Southampton Business School (USBS). As such, she leads USBS’s development of collaborations with both external organisations from all sectors and the wider public, to ensure positive social impact. She has led collaborative projects with high-profile stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
Jeni is a leader in systems thinking, stakeholder co-creation and decarbonising infrastructure. She has directed flagship leadership development programmes in systems thinking and has collaborated widely with industry, government and academia on systems approaches to infrastructure design and delivery.
Jeni is a leader in systems thinking, stakeholder co-creation and decarbonising infrastructure. She has directed flagship leadership development programmes in systems thinking and has collaborated widely with industry, government and academia on systems approaches to infrastructure design and delivery.
Alexandra Bolton OBE
Former Executive Director Centre for Digital Built Britain
Alexandra Bolton OBE
Former Executive Director, Centre for Digital Built Britain
Alexandra Bolton is a systems thinker and strategic leader whose work has helped reframe how we understand and manage the built environment. Her broad career spans infrastructure, climate governance, and organisational transformation. She has consistently championed collaboration, innovation, and resilience across complex built environment programmes.
As the founding Executive Director of the Centre for Digital Built Britain, Alexandra played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s approach to digital transformation in infrastructure, including the development of the National Digital Twin programme, helping reframe the built environment as a system of systems that serves society.
Alexandra co-founded the Built Environment Connective, a movement dedicated to advancing systems thinking across the built and natural environment. Through this work, she continues to connect, coordinate and convene, promoting outcome-focused approaches to complex challenges. She holds multiple board and advisory roles, helping organisations navigate complexity and deliver outcomes that matter for business, for society, and for the planet.
Awarded an OBE for services to the built and natural environment, Alexandra remains an advocate for long-term value, inclusive leadership, and collaboration. She is committed to shaping a future where the built environment enables flourishing for people and nature for generations to come.
As the founding Executive Director of the Centre for Digital Built Britain, Alexandra played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s approach to digital transformation in infrastructure, including the development of the National Digital Twin programme, helping reframe the built environment as a system of systems that serves society.
Alexandra co-founded the Built Environment Connective, a movement dedicated to advancing systems thinking across the built and natural environment. Through this work, she continues to connect, coordinate and convene, promoting outcome-focused approaches to complex challenges. She holds multiple board and advisory roles, helping organisations navigate complexity and deliver outcomes that matter for business, for society, and for the planet.
Awarded an OBE for services to the built and natural environment, Alexandra remains an advocate for long-term value, inclusive leadership, and collaboration. She is committed to shaping a future where the built environment enables flourishing for people and nature for generations to come.
Oliver Fisher
Chief Investment Officer HM Revenue & Customs
Oliver Fisher
Chief Investment Officer, HM Revenue & Customs
Oliver Fisher was appointed Chief Transformation Investment Officer at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in September 2025.
He has served at HMRC and its predecessor, the Inland Revenue, since the 1990s. Oliver began his career as a Tax Inspector on the south coast before moving into a series of Head Office roles in London.
From April 2015, he was Deputy Director of Strategy Development, where he led the formative thinking on Making Tax Digital (MTD), before going on to shape and deliver the strategy and policy for MTD between 2016 and 2018. He subsequently moved into HMRC Strategies in 2018 and was later appointed Director of Investment Planning, jointly leading HMRC’s work on the 2020 and 2021 Spending Reviews.
In April 2022, Oliver became Chief Portfolio Officer, overseeing major investments and programmes across the organisation. Alongside his leadership roles, he has also acted as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for two major HMRC projects: the Digitisation of Business Rates, and the implementation of a new project and programme management tool within HMRC.
He has served at HMRC and its predecessor, the Inland Revenue, since the 1990s. Oliver began his career as a Tax Inspector on the south coast before moving into a series of Head Office roles in London.
From April 2015, he was Deputy Director of Strategy Development, where he led the formative thinking on Making Tax Digital (MTD), before going on to shape and deliver the strategy and policy for MTD between 2016 and 2018. He subsequently moved into HMRC Strategies in 2018 and was later appointed Director of Investment Planning, jointly leading HMRC’s work on the 2020 and 2021 Spending Reviews.
In April 2022, Oliver became Chief Portfolio Officer, overseeing major investments and programmes across the organisation. Alongside his leadership roles, he has also acted as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for two major HMRC projects: the Digitisation of Business Rates, and the implementation of a new project and programme management tool within HMRC.
10:40
Break
11:10
Connectedness in practice: The Great Grid Upgrade
Isabelle Adams
Great Grid Partnership Director National Grid
Isabelle Adams
Great Grid Partnership Director, National Grid
Isabelle Adams is the Director for the Great Grid Partnership (GGP) at National Grid.
GGP sits at the heart of the UK energy transition and will initially support the delivery of nine major onshore infrastructure projects of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI).
Pioneering collaborative ways of working together, the GGP - which includes two design and five construction partners - represents £4.5 billion worth of network infrastructure, the biggest upgrade to the National Grid in several generations. The partners have been specifically selected to adopt new and innovative delivery approaches.
Isabelle has planned and delivered major infrastructure for over 20 years for some of the world's most cutting-edge programmes including Transport for London and Auckland Rail. She uses a strategic approach and democratic style to lead and create cohesive teams to deliver complex programmes.
GGP sits at the heart of the UK energy transition and will initially support the delivery of nine major onshore infrastructure projects of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI).
Pioneering collaborative ways of working together, the GGP - which includes two design and five construction partners - represents £4.5 billion worth of network infrastructure, the biggest upgrade to the National Grid in several generations. The partners have been specifically selected to adopt new and innovative delivery approaches.
Isabelle has planned and delivered major infrastructure for over 20 years for some of the world's most cutting-edge programmes including Transport for London and Auckland Rail. She uses a strategic approach and democratic style to lead and create cohesive teams to deliver complex programmes.
11:25
Connectedness in practice: The Oxford-Cambridge Arc
David Bray
Delivery Director East West Rail Company
David Bray
Delivery Director, East West Rail Company
David Bray has successfully delivered major infrastructure projects for over 35 years. He joined East West Rail as Executive Delivery Director in October 2024.
Previously, he worked for Highways England as Project Director on the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon scheme and Smart Motorways Programme Director. He also led aviation projects at Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, and Heathrow Terminal 5 and expanded Manchester’s Metrolink.
David has significant experience in modern construction methods, lean methodologies, and just-in-time logistics. An expert in collaborative working, he ensures high-performance teams deliver projects on time and within budget.
Previously, he worked for Highways England as Project Director on the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon scheme and Smart Motorways Programme Director. He also led aviation projects at Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, and Heathrow Terminal 5 and expanded Manchester’s Metrolink.
David has significant experience in modern construction methods, lean methodologies, and just-in-time logistics. An expert in collaborative working, he ensures high-performance teams deliver projects on time and within budget.
11:40
Connectedness in practice: The Grand Union Canal Transfer
Clare Carlaw
Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Land & Consents Affinity Water
Clare Carlaw
Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Land & Consents, Affinity Water
Clare Carlaw is currently heading up the engagement, land, and consent workstreams for two of the water industries major infrastructure projects, the Grand Union Canal Transfer, and the Thames to Affinity Transfer as well as providing a support role on the South East Strategic Reservoir Option. She has 30 years’ experience working in the utilities sector, is a Director at Faldrax Consulting Ltd and serves as an Independent Member of the Southern Flooding and Coastal Committee for the Environment Agency.
Clare has overseen asset management plans worth over £8bn, led multi-disciplinary technical teams, and implemented governance processes for large-scale programs. She has extensive expertise in all areas of engagement (stakeholder, customer, and public relations) and combines those often considered softer skills with a depth of experience in asset management, regulation, and sustainability.
Clare has played pivotal roles in developing stakeholder engagement strategies for Affinity Water and Thames Water, influencing industry practices and regulatory approaches and supported several water companies in authorising business plan content in their last price review process to meet regulatory scrutiny.
Clare believes that marrying good design with constructive engagement is fundamental in unlocking social, economic and environmental benefits.
Clare has overseen asset management plans worth over £8bn, led multi-disciplinary technical teams, and implemented governance processes for large-scale programs. She has extensive expertise in all areas of engagement (stakeholder, customer, and public relations) and combines those often considered softer skills with a depth of experience in asset management, regulation, and sustainability.
Clare has played pivotal roles in developing stakeholder engagement strategies for Affinity Water and Thames Water, influencing industry practices and regulatory approaches and supported several water companies in authorising business plan content in their last price review process to meet regulatory scrutiny.
Clare believes that marrying good design with constructive engagement is fundamental in unlocking social, economic and environmental benefits.
11:55
Connectedness in practice: Home Upgrade Grant and Local Authority Delivery Schemes
Selvin Brown
Director, Net Zero Buildings: Domestic Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Selvin Brown
Director, Net Zero Buildings: Domestic, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Selvin Brown joined the Cabinet Office 35 years ago and since then has held a number of policy, strategic and corporate roles in government. From 2015 to 2020 he was on the board of the Health and Safety Executive as Director for Engagement and Policy, and he spent six months as Director for Policy and Engagement for PPE at the Department for Health and Social Care before taking his current role.
Selvin is Director of Net Zero Buildings: Domestic at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), having been in the role since September 2020. He has held a number of charity positions, most recently as a NED for the Charity for Civil Servants. He is passionate about the Civil Service, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; and is the Civil Service Deputy Race Champion.
Selvin is Director of Net Zero Buildings: Domestic at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), having been in the role since September 2020. He has held a number of charity positions, most recently as a NED for the Charity for Civil Servants. He is passionate about the Civil Service, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; and is the Civil Service Deputy Race Champion.
12:10
Discussion
12:40
Morning wrap up
Andy Murray
Executive Director Major Projects Association
Andy Murray
Executive Director, Major Projects Association
Andy is the Executive Director of the Major Projects Association, prior to which he spent 30 years as a practitioner, consultant and assurer of complex projects and programmes for public, private and third sector organisations both domestically and internationally. He has a focus on project governance, the treatment of inherent project complexity and organisational development of project capability.
Andy is a respected author, having worked with HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Association for Project Management (APM) and Axelos to develop best practice guidance on their behalf. Publications include PRINCE2, P3M3, Routemap and the Governance of Co-Owned Projects. He was cited in the Sunday Telegraph’s business supplement as one of the most influential people in project management. He is the Chair of the APM’s Governance Special Interest Group, the Chair of the IPA’s independent project advisory group for the Project Initiation Routemap and is the engagement workstream lead for the Project Data Analytics Task Force.
Andy is a collaborative and inclusive senior leader with a track record of building high-performing teams both within his organisation, across partnerships and with voluntary groups.
Outside of work Andy spends his time mountain biking or helping out Willaston FC (a community football club) as treasurer and manager of the Under 14s team.
Andy is a respected author, having worked with HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Association for Project Management (APM) and Axelos to develop best practice guidance on their behalf. Publications include PRINCE2, P3M3, Routemap and the Governance of Co-Owned Projects. He was cited in the Sunday Telegraph’s business supplement as one of the most influential people in project management. He is the Chair of the APM’s Governance Special Interest Group, the Chair of the IPA’s independent project advisory group for the Project Initiation Routemap and is the engagement workstream lead for the Project Data Analytics Task Force.
Andy is a collaborative and inclusive senior leader with a track record of building high-performing teams both within his organisation, across partnerships and with voluntary groups.
Outside of work Andy spends his time mountain biking or helping out Willaston FC (a community football club) as treasurer and manager of the Under 14s team.
12:45
Lunch
13:45
Introduction to syndicate work
Andy Murray
Executive Director Major Projects Association
Andy Murray
Executive Director, Major Projects Association
Andy is the Executive Director of the Major Projects Association, prior to which he spent 30 years as a practitioner, consultant and assurer of complex projects and programmes for public, private and third sector organisations both domestically and internationally. He has a focus on project governance, the treatment of inherent project complexity and organisational development of project capability.
Andy is a respected author, having worked with HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Association for Project Management (APM) and Axelos to develop best practice guidance on their behalf. Publications include PRINCE2, P3M3, Routemap and the Governance of Co-Owned Projects. He was cited in the Sunday Telegraph’s business supplement as one of the most influential people in project management. He is the Chair of the APM’s Governance Special Interest Group, the Chair of the IPA’s independent project advisory group for the Project Initiation Routemap and is the engagement workstream lead for the Project Data Analytics Task Force.
Andy is a collaborative and inclusive senior leader with a track record of building high-performing teams both within his organisation, across partnerships and with voluntary groups.
Outside of work Andy spends his time mountain biking or helping out Willaston FC (a community football club) as treasurer and manager of the Under 14s team.
Andy is a respected author, having worked with HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, the Association for Project Management (APM) and Axelos to develop best practice guidance on their behalf. Publications include PRINCE2, P3M3, Routemap and the Governance of Co-Owned Projects. He was cited in the Sunday Telegraph’s business supplement as one of the most influential people in project management. He is the Chair of the APM’s Governance Special Interest Group, the Chair of the IPA’s independent project advisory group for the Project Initiation Routemap and is the engagement workstream lead for the Project Data Analytics Task Force.
Andy is a collaborative and inclusive senior leader with a track record of building high-performing teams both within his organisation, across partnerships and with voluntary groups.
Outside of work Andy spends his time mountain biking or helping out Willaston FC (a community football club) as treasurer and manager of the Under 14s team.
14:00
Syndicate work: What needs to change?
15:00
Break
15:25
Feedback
15:55
Reflections from NISTA
Karina Singh
Director of Function, Insight and Professions National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority (NISTA)
Karina Singh
Director of Function, Insight and Professions, National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority (NISTA)
Karina is the Director of Function, Insight and Professions at National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) in HM Treasury, which is the centre of expertise for project delivery in government. She is responsible for leading and improving professional capability for those who deliver government projects, leading the data analytics and AI agenda for government project data and setting future-proofed standards and working practices for project delivery, including oversight of the Teal Book.
Karina had been a civil servant for 35 years, mainly in HM Revenue and Customs and HM Treasury. She has led and managed various aspects pf project delivery over the last two decades, as Project and Programme Manager, Transformation Director, and Senior Responsible Owner for an award winning data transformation GMMP Programme. She is a Fellow of the Association of Project Management and an accredited Master Practitioner.
Karina had been a civil servant for 35 years, mainly in HM Revenue and Customs and HM Treasury. She has led and managed various aspects pf project delivery over the last two decades, as Project and Programme Manager, Transformation Director, and Senior Responsible Owner for an award winning data transformation GMMP Programme. She is a Fellow of the Association of Project Management and an accredited Master Practitioner.
16:10
Summary
Dr. Michèle Dix CBE
Non-Executive Director Major Projects Association
Dr. Michèle Dix CBE
Non-Executive Director, Major Projects Association
Michèle started her career at the Greater London Council (GLC) after completing her Civil Engineering degree and her PhD in Transport and Land Use Planning, becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer through the GLC’s graduate scheme. She spend fifteen years in the private sector with Halcrow Fox, becoming the Board Director for Urban Transport, before joining Transport for London (TfL) in 2000 as Director of Congestion Charging.
Michèle became the Managing Director for Planning in 2007 and led TfL’s strategic thinking on the future transport needs of London, testing and challenging policies and providing clear direction on appropriate transport solutions for the future. She was responsible for the 2010 Mayor’s Transport Strategy and transport requirements for the Mayor’s 2050 Infrastructure Plan; coordinating the implementation of local plans and borough partnerships; and developing major schemes including the Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Northern Line Extension, the Barking Riverside Extension, the Silvertown Tunnel, Bakerloo Line Extension and Crossrail 2.
Michèle became the Managing Director of Crossrail 2 in 2015, further developing the scheme design to gain funding and powers for it, working closely with Network Rail Ltd and Department for Transport (as joint sponsors). Further to the COVID pandemic’s impact on TfL’s finances, the scheme is now paused, but all work has been digitised and is ready to be resumed when funding allows for it.
Michèle is now retired from TfL and from her role as a Trustee of the London Transport Museum and as a Vice President of UITP, an international association that promotes public transport research and best practice world-wide. She remains a Visiting Professor for University College London and is a Non-Executive Director for the Major Projects Association, the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme and Crossrail International. Michèle was awarded a CBE in 2015 for her services to transport.
Michèle became the Managing Director for Planning in 2007 and led TfL’s strategic thinking on the future transport needs of London, testing and challenging policies and providing clear direction on appropriate transport solutions for the future. She was responsible for the 2010 Mayor’s Transport Strategy and transport requirements for the Mayor’s 2050 Infrastructure Plan; coordinating the implementation of local plans and borough partnerships; and developing major schemes including the Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Northern Line Extension, the Barking Riverside Extension, the Silvertown Tunnel, Bakerloo Line Extension and Crossrail 2.
Michèle became the Managing Director of Crossrail 2 in 2015, further developing the scheme design to gain funding and powers for it, working closely with Network Rail Ltd and Department for Transport (as joint sponsors). Further to the COVID pandemic’s impact on TfL’s finances, the scheme is now paused, but all work has been digitised and is ready to be resumed when funding allows for it.
Michèle is now retired from TfL and from her role as a Trustee of the London Transport Museum and as a Vice President of UITP, an international association that promotes public transport research and best practice world-wide. She remains a Visiting Professor for University College London and is a Non-Executive Director for the Major Projects Association, the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme and Crossrail International. Michèle was awarded a CBE in 2015 for her services to transport.
16:25
Chair's closing comments
Nirmal Kotecha
Chair Major Projects Association
Nirmal Kotecha
Chair, Major Projects Association
Nirmal was appointed Chair of the Major Projects Association in April 2025. He is a Partner at Allora Infrastructure and an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Thames Water. He has held senior roles in several Major Infrastructure Client organisations across a number of sectors including, Energy, Roads, and Water, and led the transformation of their procurement, commercial and programme delivery capability.
He stepped down from UK Power Networks in 2024 after serving over 12 years on the Executive Team as the Director of Capital Programme & Procurement, having successfully delivered its ED1 major capital programme via the ED1SON Alliance.
Nirmal was previously on the Board of the Highways Agency for four years, as their Major Projects Director, having joined on the back of the Nichols’ Review in 2007, and is credited with transforming the Agency’s commercial and programme delivery capability.
Prior to that, he was at Anglian Water where he developed the @One Alliance which is still regarded as an exemplary model for collaboratively delivering a large and complex programme of works.
Nirmal is the immediate past Chair of the Infrastructure Client Group Management Board and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply and is an Alumnus of the London Business School.
He stepped down from UK Power Networks in 2024 after serving over 12 years on the Executive Team as the Director of Capital Programme & Procurement, having successfully delivered its ED1 major capital programme via the ED1SON Alliance.
Nirmal was previously on the Board of the Highways Agency for four years, as their Major Projects Director, having joined on the back of the Nichols’ Review in 2007, and is credited with transforming the Agency’s commercial and programme delivery capability.
Prior to that, he was at Anglian Water where he developed the @One Alliance which is still regarded as an exemplary model for collaboratively delivering a large and complex programme of works.
Nirmal is the immediate past Chair of the Infrastructure Client Group Management Board and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply and is an Alumnus of the London Business School.
16:30
Close