ACE has submitted evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee consultation on Major Project Management.

The government’s major project portfolio currently has 133 projects on its books worth more than £423 billion. As well as high-profile infrastructure projects such as Crossrail, HS2 or Hinkley Point, it also includes major government ICT projects and defence procurement programmes.

The Government’s handling of these contracts has been publicly criticised while the National Audit Office (NAO) has flagged issues such as a lack of accountability, poor planning and limited capability in managing these projects.

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s enquiry explores how well such projects have been managed by the Government and considers whether these criticisms are justified. ACE’s response covered issues including public confidence, the civil service’s role in managing major projects, the procurement process, best-practice, governance, accountability, leadership, market competition, contract processes, timescales, lifetime monitoring of projects, risk assessment, financial models, budgets, local government, and the role of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority.

Written in consultation with ACE's Major Projects group, you can download our response below.