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In response to a new report on Crossrail by the National Audit Office (NAO) published on 9 July. 

Andrew Baldwin, head of public affairs at Association for Project Management (APM) recently said:

“APM, the chartered body for the project profession, is pleased to hear that the National Audit Office reported “encouraging signs that the programme is now in a more stable position” than it was in 2019 and that the majority of the major construction projects have been completed.  We’re also encouraged to hear that stage one of operational testing has been started, and that we are close to stage 2, the final stage before services begin.

“But there are lessons to be learned here about why the project needed extra funding and a delay to the original completion date.  Good project outcomes require the right conditions for success, and this project has been hampered by sector and time specific issues, such as the impact of Covid-19 and staff shortages, as well as concerns about an “unachievable” revised schedule and budget.

“There were also suggestions that the benefits of the project may need to be re-examined to ensure value for money in light of changing commuting patterns.

“It’s good that the NAO monitors major projects in this way.  APM will be keen to analyse the data and understand the precise reasons why these issues came about.  Project professionals can learn from them and ensure they are factored into the development of the next project of this kind.”

Click Here for details of the NAO report