Government Property Agency
Development Assurance & Governance Framework
CLIENT CONTEXT
The Government Property Agency (GPA) is responsible for delivering some of the UK Government’s most complex real estate transformation programmes – including the Government Hubs network, the Whitehall Campus initiative, and several confidential projects. Maintaining strong governance, transparency and predictable outcomes across these programmes is of paramount importance. To this end, the GPA entrusted Start Advisory to deliver independent development assurance and design a consistent, best-practice approach to project oversight.
PROCESS
Start Advisory created and implemented a comprehensive second-line assurance framework that was fully compliant with the Government’s Orange Book of risk management principles. The framework includes a suite of assurance products and governance structures that embed learning and strengthen accountability, with gateway reviews at key junctures of the project’s progress – meaning risks were identified early and corrected swiftly.
The development managers who led these gateway assessments – all of whom have extensive experience in complex, multi-stakeholder government projects – also provided ongoing support during later project stages. This included input into detailed design reviews and construction agreements and contractor oversight – to ensure risks were mitigated, costs controlled and delivery confidence maintained.
RESULTS
Start Advisory’s assurance framework has been adopted across GPA’s major programmes, establishing a single, coherent approach to project governance and control. The results are tangible:
Consistent assurance
A robust second-line assurance system now underpins all GPA gateway reviews, embedding best practice and driving consistency across major programmes.
Cost efficiency
Early identification of risks and issues minimises unnecessary expenditure, improving value for money across multiple project streams.
Delivery confidence
Greater transparency, accountability and proactive risk management have increased predictability and strengthened confidence in programme delivery.
“Start Advisory have been an invaluable partner in developing and embedding our assurance framework. Their structured approach, depth of experience and ability to work collaboratively with internal teams have helped us achieve greater governance maturity and delivery confidence across our programmes. The framework they designed has become a key part of how we assure outcomes and maintain value for money.”
— Government Property Agency