When projects succeed, society benefits

Organisations today face a constantly changing and uncertain environment, particularly in the face of recent economic and political instability. This makes it difficult to understand, predict and decide how best to deliver project success. 

The importance of projects has never been higher. They’re the means by which economic and social benefits will be delivered.

In a volatile and complex world, organisations with professional and highly skilled project teams will possess a powerful competitive advantage. 

The power of projects is recognised at the highest levels of government, which is why Association for Project Management (APM) – the only chartered membership organisation for the project profession – recently welcomed measures outlined in the government’s Spring Budget aimed at addressing issues affecting successful project delivery.

More needs to be done, however, particularly around upskilling and professionalising project practitioners. 

While a stable economic environment is vital for the delivery of projects, we know it is people that deliver them, and so it’s vital those project teams have the right skills and capabilities in place to deliver change that brings about financial and social benefits.

Such projects will help the UK address challenges such as decarbonisation, infrastructure improvement and digital transformation.   

Concerns over skills in the construction sector are highlighted in a recent APM survey of 1,000 project professionals that showed more than a third (37%) of the respondents working in the building and engineering sectors consider a lack of project skills to be the biggest risk to project delivery (specifically those projects with an intended social benefit).

“The days of  ‘accidental’ project managers who land in the role by default are hopefully numbered, but there is still work to be done. In an environment with constantly changing technical and statutory requirements, it’s important that project managers keep up to date to ensure their work remains compliant.” 

Adam Boddison, chief executive, Association for Project Management

APM also found that nearly half (47%) of those working in these sectors think more project/programme professionals are required to deliver project success.  

The UK’s project management sector employs 2.13 million full-time equivalent workers and adds £156.5bn of value to the UK economy each year¹. Despite a period of low growth in 2021 caused by the pandemic, and the recent economic climate, it’s positive to see the project profession is bouncing back, with many organisations looking to increase recruitment and boost growth. This includes the construction sector, as highlighted by recent APM research.  

It’s also rewarding to see that the recognition of project management as a profession has grown significantly over the past few years, spurred in large part by APM’s receipt of its royal charter in 2017.

The days of “accidental” project managers who land in the role by default are hopefully numbered, but there is still work to be done. In an environment with constantly changing technical and statutory requirements, it’s important that project managers keep up to date to ensure their work remains compliant. At the same time, best practice within the project profession doesn’t stand still either – project disciplines are continually evolving. 

APM can bring a wealth of support to both organisations and project professionals with the training and skills required to deliver projects more effectively at a time where their management has never been so important.  

APM’s robust assessments are set at appropriate levels to support project professionals from the start of their careers all the way to Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status, which recognises those with significant experience and knowledge. This creates an easy-to-navigate career path for those seeking to take their professional development to the next level. 

As well as qualifications, individuals and businesses – through APM’s Corporate Partnership Programme – can also benefit from research, resources and events and the opportunity to be part of the APM’s project management community, creating opportunities to connect and to be at the heart of the profession.   

APM’s Corporate Partnership Programme is aimed at organisations who are serious about developing their project management capability and community, who want to learn from each other and be aligned to the only chartered membership organisation for the project profession in the world. You’ll join like-minded professionals from different organisations, large and small, with the same passion for the profession as you.  

To find out more about APM membership and the Corporate Partnership Programme visit apm.org.uk/campaign/construction