Recovery of a multi-billion pound government programme

Although the programme had been running for several years, deliverability concerns had been raised at the senior government level due to ongoing delays and supplier concerns. In response, an assurance review was conducted by the Permanent Secretary’s special advisor. This highlighted a range of systemic challenges that needed to be fully understood and rectified.

Oaklin was asked to scope, lead, and deliver an intervention to address the shortcomings. Through cross-programme engagement, Oaklin identified several systemic challenges that hampered efficient operation. The team brought these into focus through the clearly understandable themes of culture and communications, structure and governance, project management, and supplier relationships.

As a result of this work clarity was provided on the root-causes of the challenges faced, of which were broader than those brought to light by the initial assurance review. By focusing on root-causes this effectively avoided effort being expended on changes that would not address key problems.

In order to move forwards a pragmatic approach was developed in conjunction with both client teams and other consultancy teams working on the programme. Detailed transformation workstreams were designed and agreed to deliver proposed changes in the timescales required.

Oaklin headed the team in order to implement the required changes. During this time Oaklin was also retained to lead several critical workstreams in order to provide a safe pair of hands during the transition to new ways of working.