- The Environment Agency (EA) aims to deliver over £5.2 billion worth of Flood Defence projects and programmes over the next 4 years, which is an increase of £2.6 billion from the previous funding cycle.
- The EA did not have a comparable increase in the staff resource available within the Client’s project teams to deliver this increase in demand.
- To facilitate more effective ways of resourcing, the Midland Support Hub was assembled, a brought in service from AECOM which included specialists in areas of Cost, Risk, Planning, Digital and Project Management to help support the programme to deliver its outcomes.
Project Context
- The hub’s main objective is to provide the project teams within the EA’s Midlands region with specialist support, allowing the client Project Managers to delegate tasks and responsibilities, consequently reducing the amount of time on these activities and allowing client teams to focus on delivery.
- Project Managers and Seniors (PTMs and Programme Leads) can access the service when needed (Ad hoc) or scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis.
- The scope was kept flexible to accommodate for the fast pace and changing nature of needs and comprises of 96 projects including Top X projects, which are high profiled priority projects.
- Utilising the hub reduces costs as projects are charged for services used and is cheaper than other Bis contracts.
AECOM Offering
- To provide the client with support in areas of Planning, Risk, Cost, Digital and Project Management.
- Provide a centralised point of contact, where EA project managers can gain access to subject matter experts and create a culture of best working practice.
- The hub allows the client to access Aecom’s award winning service via Reach-Back.
- Agile working practises to meet demands and expand resourcing (staff) when required.
- Face to face support and working as an integrated team.
- Help achieve Environment Agencies KPIs and targets alongside demonstrating shared values of carbon reduction and sustainability.
- Staff with up to 20 years working experience with the EA; and a wider network of 80 Infra PMs with EA Experience.
- Role development into areas of assurance and project control (reporting) to ensure all 96 projects are adhering to the EA framework and standards. The hub to help bridge any gaps.