The Delivery Gap - by Jonathan Simcock (Paperback)

About the Book

In the wake of HS2's cancellation, Jonathan Simcock, Former Executive Director of the Major Projects Directorate of the Office of Government Commerce, provides answers. This eye-opening text draws on testimony from the Ministers, officials and project managers who have tried, and mostly failed, to deliver the country's biggest projects.

Book Synopsis

Sometimes, government has to build something big. Really big. A high-speed railway network, a fleet of nuclear submarines, an IT system big enough for the health records of every person in the country. But Britain has a woeful record of delivering projects of this scale. They are either late, over budget, deliver less than promised - or all three. Some are never completed at all. What is going wrong?

In the wake of the cancellation of HS2, Jonathan Simcock, former Major Projects Director of the Office of Government Commerce, provides answers. This eye-opening text draws on testimony from the Ministers, officials and project managers who have tried, and mostly failed, to deliver the country's biggest projects.

To face up to its challenges - productivity, growth, national security, and the changing climate - Britain needs huge publicly funded investment. So how do we close the Delivery Gap?

Review Quotes

A brave but insightful book that has grasped the essence of the challenges! Let's hope that the theme's from this book can influence how we improve things.

--Mark Thurston, CEO Anglian Water and former CEO of HS2 Ltd

A great contribution to one of the most important questions of our time. Essential reading for anyone involved with the planning or execution of large projects.

--Mark Wild, CEO of HS2 Ltd, former CEO of Crossrail Ltd

Jonathan Simcock's succinct and penetrating insights into why major programmes fail will have some uncomfortable resonance for those who have been at the sharp end and have the scars to show. If you are about to take on a key management or leadership role in delivering a complex programme, read this book.

--Sir Simon Bollom, Former CEO of Defence Equipment and Support, Ministry of Defence

Simcock's narrative offers real insight into the reasons for mega-project failure. For anyone involved in, or concerned with, Government delivery, this is a refreshingly clear perspective on how to improve things.

--Sir John A Manzoni, Former Chief Executive of the Civil Service

This book raises important issues about a long history of unsuccessful delivery of many major Government projects, and the author's experience brings valuable perspectives to the underlying reasons.

--David Goldstone CBE, Former CEO of Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority

This compelling book lays bare the systemic problems that have plagued major government projects for too long. A must-read for those who believe we can - and must - do better.

--Francis Maude (Lord Maude of Horsham), Former Cabinet Office Minister

This highly readable work draws on the many expert perspectives to set out why so many major Government projects are destined to fail. It is essential reading for everyone who wants to see better delivery: and that's all of us!

--Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Quin, Former Defence and Cabinet Office Minister

About the Author

Jonathan Simcock is a recognised expert in the challenges of major government project delivery. After a career in the private sector, he has spent sixteen years leading, governing, assuring and advising many of government's largest projects.