The CDG is building the foundation for the delivery of 4 key NICS objectives:
- Progress the recently established project delivery profession with a named senior leader and a comprehensive programme of professional development
- Improve commercial capability and knowledge transfer processes
- Strengthen controls in terms of contract spend and extensions; and
- Ensure contracts deliver their intended benefits
The delivery of these objectives are underpinned by recognised people and professional standards for Programme and Project Delivery and commercial capability including contract management. These enable benchmarking of capability linked to professional recognition in relation to recruitment and retention.
The CDG includes the Centre of Expertise for Programme and Project Management which provides advice for project teams and boards and manages the Gateway Review process for the NI public sector. It also provides extensive resources for public sector officials preparing for a project or programme.
The CDG also includes DoFs Project, Programme and Portfolio Office (P3O). The P3O provides a panoramic view of the Department’s current programmes and projects and reports on their progress, conflicts, risks and benefits for the Departmental Board. Departmental P3Os have been set up across the NICS and its ALBs.