APM's Project journal interviews director of NAO Geraldine Barker

APM’s Project journal has caught up with Geraldine Barker, director of the National Audit Office, following the launch of her report which delved into the government’s delivery of major projects across the UK.

In the interview, Geraldine discusses her review of the governments Major Project Portfolio and reveals how the lack of accurate and reliable data played a challenging role in the assessment of the UK Government’s performance when delivering major projects.

“Parliament votes large sums of money for projects. Our role is to make sure the money is spent in the way that parliament intends and that it delivers value,” said Geraldine.

There are currently 149 projects in the Major Projects Portfolio and these have a combined whole-life cost of £511bn. Getting these projects wrong would be disastrous for the public purse.

The NAO’s role in assessing projects – by uncovering how money is being spent and looking at how waste can be avoided – is not easy. But, for Barker, the job of shining a light is done.

“Given the scale and length of major projects it is important to review them periodically, instead of just waiting to the end, when it is too late to fix them,” she said.

• APM members can access the full interview here or find it in their latest Summer Project journal.
• Not a member? Click here to find out more about the benefits of joining APM.

Geraldine will also be discussing her report at next week’s EVA21 conference held in London. To find out more or to book your place, click here.