3.5 The MPRG is a scrutiny panel for major central government projects, assessing deliverability, affordability and value for money, prior to HM Treasury's approval. It has highlighted commercial skills gaps in eight of the 12 projects that have been assessed so far. Project teams have then been required to respond with a plan for improving their approach to commercial skills. For example, following concerns on the commercial skills of the Carbon Capture and Storage demonstration project, a SRO and a Project Director with considerable commercial private sector experience were appointed.
3.6 The OGC Gateway Review process examines a wider population of projects at key stages in their lifecycle. The reviews examine the progress and likelihood of successful delivery of the project, including whether a team has adequate resources to move forward. This sometimes highlights commercial skills shortfalls. Only five out of 16 commercial directors stated that they thought Gateway Reviews have had a significant impact on improving commercial skills levels within their department. There is scope for the OGC to make better use of systemic lessons on commercial skills from Gateway Reviews.
3.7 We shall be reporting further on the subject of project assurance in a separate report.