Topic: Collaboration

By Myrna Rickards
November 5th 2025

The rise of the delivery partner Highlight Report

 

Delivery Partners to support the project owner/investor have become a familiar part of the major project landscape. The increasing use of a Delivery Partner across major projects and programmes is evidenced by the award of a 15 year contract by Anglian Water for a ‘Programme Delivery Partner’, a 5 year contract by MoD Defence & Equipment Supply for a ‘Project Delivery Partner’, and a ‘Programme Delivery Partner’ for the New Hospital Programme. This is not solely a UK phenomenon, as evidenced by the appointment of a ‘Client Partner’ for the MetroLink metro project in Dublin.

However, as indicated by the myriad titles used for this relatively new participant in major projects (e.g. Delivery Partner, Client Partner, Programme Partner, and Programme Delivery Partner) there are a number of variations to consider.

This seminar looks to demystify what is a Delivery Partner and what underpins appropriate use of this participant in a major project. The speakers and panellists will look at the associated success factors and issues associated with Deliver Partnersthrough a variety of lenses:

  • What, exactly, is their role and how do they add value.
  • The fundamental differences in the various options for a Delivery Partner.
  • Learnings from across various sectors where a Delivery Partner has been employed.
  • When appointment of a Delivery Partner is unnecessary and potentially value reducing.
  • How to engage with Tier 1 contractors as participants within the Delivery Partner.
  • Pointers from a joint industry / academia the study that has identified five themes to be addressed by both practitioners and academics to enhance their contribution in the future.

The seminar will also look forward to how the Delivery Partner might evolve now it has become embedded as an option that should at least be considered for a major project.

 

By Myrna Rickards
October 6th 2025

Annual Conference 2025 – Mission Possible: Improving the connectedness of major projects Highlight Report

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:

  • How missions shift focus from departments to outcomes. 

  • The role of industry, regulators and government in working together.

  • 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.

By Myrna Rickards
May 20th 2025

Managing change without losing control – Balancing flexibility and discipline in major projects Full Report

 

When projects have lifespans that run into years if not decades, some change is inevitable. Technology advances, the regulatory landscape shifts, stakeholder demands evolve and the economic circumstances in which the project was born can alter out of all recognition.

This creates many challenges and opportunities for project professionals. How do we distinguish between necessary adjustment to secure outcomes and undisciplined scope creep inflating costs and extending schedule? What kinds of governance and project controls are most effective in different circumstances or types of projects? What should leaders do to create an environment that supports their chosen approach to risk management?

This half day seminar will explore this topic through case studies of the very different change management challenges of Sizewell C and London’s Stratford Waterfront programmes. This will be complemented by insight from the energy and defence sectors, both of which are experiencing rapid changes to the environment in which their major projects and programmes are being delivered. There will also be an opportunity to hear from two of the contributors to the Association for Project Management’s new guide Project Controls in the 21st Century.

Mind the Mobilisation Gap
By Myrna Rickards
March 5th 2025

Mind the Mobilisation Gap

This Perspectives Paper explores why we’re still getting mobilisation wrong on major projects, and how we can do better.

By Myrna Rickards
February 12th 2025

When we get it right a spotlight on success Highlight Report

 

While projects are often perceived as late and over budget, most actually meet intended outcomes and deliver to expectations. By reframing our thinking to focus on the successes, rather than just the failures in infrastructure delivery we can foster a more positive, solution-oriented approach that drives improvement and innovation.

This half day seminar will explore how highlighting successes can build delivery confidence, and encourages excellence, creating a replicable model for future projects. Bringing the public and politicians along on this journey is crucial for sustained support and investment confidence.

This event will help to challenge the perceptions of infrastructure project delivery. It will demonstrate how offering stakeholders a greater understanding of both the challenges and tangible benefits of projects creates a new level of trust that helps professionals navigate complex projects more effectively and secure vital support for future infrastructure.

 

Useful links mentioned in the ‘Project delivery performance reality check’ presentation by Dr. Paul Chapman OBE:

English Roads Major Schemes
Paper: Chapman, P., (2024) Project delivery performance: Insights from English roads major schemes, Project Leadership and Society Journal

Major Projects Association podcast hosted by Andy Murray with Paul Chapman and Nirmal Kotecha, former Head of Major Projects at National Highways: Project delivery performance: we’re actually quite good! Who knew and what changed? Sep 18, 2024
Public Accounts Committee (2007) Estimating and monitoring the costs of building roads in England
Nichols (2007) Review of Highways Agency’s Major Roads Programme
Swedish Rail and Road Project Performance
Chapman, P. (2024) Revisiting project delivery performance: Evidence from Swedish transport infrastructure, Project Management Journal
By Myrna Rickards
February 12th 2025

When we get it right a spotlight on success Full Report

 

While projects are often perceived as late and over budget, most actually meet intended outcomes and deliver to expectations. By reframing our thinking to focus on the successes, rather than just the failures in infrastructure delivery we can foster a more positive, solution-oriented approach that drives improvement and innovation.

This half day seminar will explore how highlighting successes can build delivery confidence, and encourages excellence, creating a replicable model for future projects. Bringing the public and politicians along on this journey is crucial for sustained support and investment confidence.

This event will help to challenge the perceptions of infrastructure project delivery. It will demonstrate how offering stakeholders a greater understanding of both the challenges and tangible benefits of projects creates a new level of trust that helps professionals navigate complex projects more effectively and secure vital support for future infrastructure.

 

Useful links mentioned in the ‘Project delivery performance reality check’ presentation by Dr. Paul Chapman OBE:

English Roads Major Schemes
Paper: Chapman, P., (2024) Project delivery performance: Insights from English roads major schemes, Project Leadership and Society Journal

Major Projects Association podcast hosted by Andy Murray with Paul Chapman and Nirmal Kotecha, former Head of Major Projects at National Highways: Project delivery performance: we’re actually quite good! Who knew and what changed? Sep 18, 2024
Public Accounts Committee (2007) Estimating and monitoring the costs of building roads in England
Nichols (2007) Review of Highways Agency’s Major Roads Programme
Swedish Rail and Road Project Performance
Chapman, P. (2024) Revisiting project delivery performance: Evidence from Swedish transport infrastructure, Project Management Journal
By Myrna Rickards
February 12th 2025

When we get it right – a spotlight on success Full Report

 

While projects are often perceived as late and over budget, most actually meet intended outcomes and deliver to expectations. By reframing our thinking to focus on the successes, rather than just the failures in infrastructure delivery we can foster a more positive, solution-oriented approach that drives improvement and innovation.

This half day seminar will explore how highlighting successes can build delivery confidence, and encourages excellence, creating a replicable model for future projects. Bringing the public and politicians along on this journey is crucial for sustained support and investment confidence.

This event will help to challenge the perceptions of infrastructure project delivery. It will demonstrate how offering stakeholders a greater understanding of both the challenges and tangible benefits of projects creates a new level of trust that helps professionals navigate complex projects more effectively and secure vital support for future infrastructure.

 

Useful links mentioned in the ‘Project delivery performance reality check’ presentation by Dr. Paul Chapman OBE:

English Roads Major Schemes
Paper: Chapman, P., (2024) Project delivery performance: Insights from English roads major schemes, Project Leadership and Society Journal

Major Projects Association podcast hosted by Andy Murray with Paul Chapman and Nirmal Kotecha, former Head of Major Projects at National Highways: Project delivery performance: we’re actually quite good! Who knew and what changed? Sep 18, 2024
Public Accounts Committee (2007) Estimating and monitoring the costs of building roads in England
Nichols (2007) Review of Highways Agency’s Major Roads Programme
Swedish Rail and Road Project Performance
Chapman, P. (2024) Revisiting project delivery performance: Evidence from Swedish transport infrastructure, Project Management Journal
By Sascha Flint
May 17th 2023

Collaborative Leadership: Lessons from the 2022 Games and Beyond

One of the three landmark objectives set out in the Major Projects Association
Strategy 2025 is to move the dial on leadership capability. In 2022, we looked
at leadership from a systems perspective in the ‘Systems thinking, systems
leading’ event.

By Jonathan Norman
February 23rd 2023

Collaborative leadership: lessons from the 2022 Games and beyond

Moving the dial on leadership capability is one of the Major Projects Association’s strategic objectives. This seminar examined leadership through the lens of collaboration.

By Jonathan Norman
January 23rd 2023

Annual Conference 2022 – Escaping the Major Projects Echo Chamber (REVISED DATE) Highlight Report

This Annual Conference was postponed from September 2022 following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Registrations remain in place for those confirmed to attend and joining details will be circulated in January 2023.

Over the course of the 40 years since the Association was formed the approach to major projects has continually evolved in response to the delivery environment of the day. Today’s delivery environment is unrecognisable even from just a few years ago, let alone from the early days of the Association. We may need radical changes, but if we continue to refine our approach based on memoirs of past successes are we in danger of incrementally solving past problems rather than those of today and tomorrow? To free ourselves from the shackles of past paradigms we need to escape the major projects echo chamber.

At last year’s Annual Conference we considered the past, present and future practice of initiating and delivering major projects. We identified some current practices we’d like to consign to the past and some practices we’d like to bring back. When considering the future we concluded the pace of technological change, aligning to socio-economic drivers, the urgency of addressing and avoiding environmental catastrophes and the general volatility of geopolitics would mean that major projects and the way we deliver them will need to be different.

This year’s conference builds on that and looks at how they will be different due to four paradigms that do not fit our current and future needs:

  • A hierarchical delivery model.
  • An inherently linear project lifecycle in a complex dynamic world.
  • Simplistic ROI or Cost-Benefit models that do not reflect how we get value from systems.
  • An assumption of infinite resources where growth is the goal/solution.

Are there non-hierarchical delivery models already available and it’s just a case of applying them more widely (e.g. Construction Playbook, Project 13, Value Toolkit)?

Do we need a portfolio approach to major project delivery, where each project is adaptive to emerging needs and opportunities within the overall ‘system’. This may require us to rethink our current focus on requiring firm ROI or Cost-Benefit commitments per project up front.

Have we become selfish toddlers in our competitive pursuit of growth and all things new? Do we need to re-learn how to share, re-use and repurpose? How do we marry owner/stakeholder competitive expectations and non-growth solutions in a major project context?

These questions need to be addressed for all types of major projects whether that is for infrastructure or other major projects such as policy and transformation.

The conference will be delivered as a physical event and we are offering one space per organisation on a first come, first served basis (additional spaces may be available closer to the time of the event). Spaces are offered at no charge (attendance is covered under your organisation’s membership fee) and include accomodation at the venue for the evening of Monday 12th September.

The conference is currently fully booked. Please let us know ASAP if you are no longer able to join us, as we do have a waiting list in place.