Review of MPS initiatives, projects and programmes

Report: 6
Date: 19 June 2001
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report outlines a review of all MPS initiatives, projects and programmes which is being undertaken in order to rationalise the current position and to introduce a corporate governance framework for future projects, reviews and programmes.

A. Recommendation

The Committee is asked to note the report.

B. Supporting information

Introduction

1. As a result of concern being expressed by the Authority and by the Commissioner's Management Board about the number of initiatives, projects and programmes being undertaken, Assistant Commissioner Ghaffur has commenced an internal review of the current position as a precursor to introducing an appropriate governance framework for the future.

Outline of the review

2. There will be five main elements to the review:

• a survey of all current initiatives, projects and programmes in order to identify what is happening, and why. This work, which has already started, includes the identification of the various supporting systems and databases which have been developed to assist with the management and tracking of projects. This work will be completed by mid-July;
• a study of the use made of external consultants during the last financial year together with a review of the current position. This work, which has already started, will examine the costs involved;
• a rigorous scrutiny of all current and planned pieces of work. The intention will be to weed out anything which does not satisfy strict criteria relating to costs, benefits and priorities;
• projects and programmes which are to continue will then be reviewed to ensure that each has a satisfactory business case and benefits realisation plan, and that appropriate project management procedures are in place to ensure transparency of costs and activities;
• a corporate governance framework for projects and programmes will then be implemented. This will include the setting up of a Projects/Programmes Direction Group to oversee and approve future work; the introduction of corporate standards for conducting projects and programmes; a structure to ensure the emerging corporate strategy is embodied in the approval process; and the implementation of a corporate project and programme management database;

C. Financial implications

It is anticipated that the review will result in significant efficiency benefits. These will be estimated as the review continues and members will be kept informed at appropriate intervals. The costs of the Projects/Programmes Direction Group, and other associated internal staffing costs will be met from existing estimates.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Anne Wheeler, Director Consultancy Group.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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