UK government projects show increased evaluation capabilities but gaps remain, finds report

UK government projects have increased evaluation plans significantly. (Photo: Shutterstock)

A recent assessment by the Evaluation Task Force has revealed that 63% of major projects now have some form of evaluation plan, a notable increase from 29% in 2019. Additionally, one-third of these projects have high-quality evaluations, compared to 8% four years ago. The Evaluation Task Force, a collaboration between HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, has reviewed the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP), which includes numerous digital and IT projects with significant financial implications.

In the foreword of the review, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office Georgia Gould acknowledged the progress made but stressed the necessity for further enhancements across governmental departments. Covering the 2023-24 period, the review assessed 227 projects, with 144 (63%) providing evidence of evaluation plans. These plans ranged from fully developed evaluations to those in the initial phases.

While 34% of GMPP projects had robust evaluation plans, two-thirds did not meet the quality standards, either lacking plans or having insufficient ones. Projects with strong evaluation plans accounted for £378bn, representing 45% of the total GMPP cost, while those without accounted for £456bn, or 55%.

“The Government Major Projects Portfolio comprises the most complex and strategically significant projects and programmes delivered by the government,” said Gould. “Because these projects are so large and complex, it’s important to evaluate them properly to understand whether they are effective or not, learn lessons and ensure the best value for money. Evaluation is fundamental to an outcome-focused and more accountable approach that is needed to deliver on our mission to rebuild Britain.”

Operational, cultural, and resourcing challenges identified as barriers

The Evaluation Task Force identified a significant gap in the coverage of suitable evaluation plans, attributing it to challenges in operations, culture, and resources. Operationally, some projects did not design evaluations early enough, affecting later assessments. Culturally, some senior staff considered evaluation a lower priority. In terms of resources, there was a lack of necessary staff, funding, and expertise.

To address these issues, an action plan has been introduced, led by the Evaluation Task Force, Treasury, and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority. The plan aims to improve evaluation governance, enhance evaluation capability, integrate evaluation into project delivery, and promote its value. Gould stated that the plan would ensure evaluation becomes an essential part of the major-project lifecycle.

The National Audit Office has previously warned that the lack of good quality evaluation in major projects undermines confidence in the impact of government spending. Similarly, the Public Accounts Committee has noted that without proper evaluation, the government cannot determine the effectiveness of its initiatives, putting value for money at risk.

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