Programme Leadership for a High-Security Research Facility
Driving design completion, approvals, and mobilisation in a nuclear-regulated environment.
Overview
A UK national-security organisation was developing a complex research facility essential to maintaining sovereign capability. After more than a decade in development, the project required firm direction to complete design activities, secure regulatory approvals, and prepare for construction.
The Challenge
Fragmented teams, unclear accountabilities, and loss of momentum were delaying critical progress. Strategic uncertainty linked to an imminent government defence review heightened pressure to demonstrate readiness, value, and delivery discipline. A clear, cohesive programme structure was urgently required.
Our Approach
We strengthened programme leadership and governance by:
Restructuring the team to integrate client staff with specialist external consultants
Establishing clear service levels and robust programme, cost, and risk controls
Directing preparation of the planning submission and ensuring regulatory compliance
Managing procurement of the principal contractor and guiding early mobilisation and temporary works planning
Outcome
The design was completed, and planning permission was successfully granted by the local authority. By the time of the government’s defence review decision, the main contractor was fully mobilised and prepared to commence construction—ensuring the project was positioned to proceed without delay had approval been granted.
Next Steps
Major defence and research programmes demand cohesive leadership, strong governance, and early clarity of direction—especially when political or strategic uncertainty threatens progress. If you need support shaping or accelerating a complex programme, we can help you establish the control and confidence required.