Parliamentarians launch inquiry on improving the delivery of national infrastructure projects
Parliamentarians from the newly formed All-Party Parliamentary Group for Project Delivery have launched an inquiry to improve the delivery of national infrastructure projects. In a call to action, parliamentarians are asking all stakeholders involved in the delivery of vital infrastructure projects to send evidence and recommendations. The group’s parliamentary chair, Henry Tufnell MP said “It's essential we get better at building things that improve people's lives and drive growth.”
The APPG has called for written evidence from interested stakeholders across the national projects, academia and infrastructure sectors. The inquiry launched at a meeting in Parliament today, is taking written submissions and will run until 11 am Tuesday 6th May 2025.
The full terms of reference are available at the bottom of this page.
The APPG’s investigation will conclude with a report and recommendations aimed at supporting action that improves the delivery of national infrastructure projects and promotes the uptake of best practices from project management around the world. In light of the recent announcements about the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and the infrastructure strategy, the APPG is particularly keen to hear suggestions and recommendations on transforming infrastructure and services.
Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Project Delivery, Henry Tufnell MP said:
“For far too long, the UK has struggled through poor delivery of infrastructure projects, experiencing delays or budget overruns, which hinders job creation, progress, and economic growth. It's essential we get better at building things that improve people's lives and drive growth. That's why I'm pleased to announce our APPG's first inquiry: how the Government can improve infrastructure project delivery nationwide.
“With the Government's focus on infrastructure as a growth driver and the launch of NISTA, this inquiry is timely. Our inquiry will provide Parliament with support to ensure we have the expertise, policies, and solutions to drive progress forward with momentum. We want to hear from a diverse range of organisations, whether they be project professionals, construction experts, procurement personnel, organisations or the public.
“If ever there was a time for all interest groups and sectors involved in infrastructure projects to come together, it is now. I urge all interested parties to engage with the inquiry to help develop a comprehensive, effective, and engaging report.”
Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at APM said:
“We welcome the APPG’s new inquiry into improving the delivery of national infrastructure projects in the UK and a focus on how project management best practices can lead to better results. We look forward to hearing from APM members and the wider project profession on a broad range of issues from the challenges facing major infrastructure delivery, skills and capability, technological changes and the collaboration between Government and the private sector.”
Improving National Infrastructure Project Delivery – inquiry terms of reference
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Project Delivery has launched an inquiry into how the UK can improve the delivery of those major projects that lead to economic growth and improved infrastructure. This will be the APPG’s first inquiry. It aims to support policy discussions and recommendations that improve the delivery of national infrastructure projects and promote the uptake of best practice from project management around the world. In light of the recent announcements about the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and the infrastructure strategy, we are particularly keen to hear suggestions and recommendations on transforming infrastructure and services.
We are seeking solutions, innovations, and recommendations that will support the UK in ensuring it has the skills, policies, and people needed to deliver major infrastructure projects that drive economic growth, spread innovation, and provide societal benefit across the country. This inquiry will assess the barriers to successful project delivery, the effectiveness of the current approach, and opportunities for improvement. We hope to hear input from a variety of sectors including but not limited to construction, infrastructure, engineering, technology, transport and energy.
A key focus will be on the ways in which project management best practices from the UK and internationally can drive improved results. The inquiry welcomes evidence that explores wider issues, including skills base, technological change, and collaboration between the Government and the private sector.
Call for Evidence
The inquiry welcomes written submissions from industry experts, project professionals, academics, businesses, and other stakeholders. Please clearly state your name, occupation and organisation. Please state if you would prefer not to be referenced in the final report.
Please feel free to highlight any case studies or examples in your evidence. However, to maintain focus on improving project delivery, this inquiry will not consider objections to specific infrastructure projects or broader debates on whether individual projects should proceed.
Responses should be limited to 500 words per question and sent tocontact@appgprojectdelivery.org as a Word document or email. You do not need to answer all of the questions. The deadline for submissions is 11 am on Tuesday 6th May 2025.
Key Questions:
What are the major challenges facing major infrastructure project delivery in the UK? How can these barriers be rectified?
What lessons can the UK learn from international approaches?
What lessons can the UK learn internally, from best practices in individual Government departments and arms-length bodies? What lessons can infrastructure projects learn from project management in other sectors?
How effective do you feel the Government’s current plans are for improving major infrastructure project delivery? Do you have any comments or suggestions for the new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA)?
How can the Government work more effectively with the private sector to improve project outcomes?
How can the Government work more effectively with the project profession to improve project outcomes? What impact will technological advancements have on infrastructure delivery, and how can the Government better harness innovation?
Are there any other comments or recommendations the APPG should be considering?