The Role of Sponsor in Network Rail

Summary

The role of Sponsor on any project, programme or portfolio is very varied and contextual. Whether Executive, Delegate, Professional, Occasional or indeed Accidental, the Sponsor is accountable to the investors and stakeholders for the delivery of the outcomes and benefits of the initiative.

In Network Rail, an individual or at times teams of professional Delegate Sponsors are appointed by the Client (Executive Sponsor/Funder) on large, complex or higher-risk Capital Investment projects and programmes.

From identification of the Client’s needs to benefits realisation, these Sponsors provide leadership to all the participants and stakeholders. Sponsor is ultimately accountable for the success of Client’s project/programme and the work of the Deliverer.
Essentially, the Sponsor is the guiding mind throughout the project/programme lifecycle and the link between the Client, Funder, Delivery Agent and key stakeholders.