Decision - APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT BOARDS

1.     That the role performed by Project Boards and the part they play in the delivery and decision making process of major projects be noted.

2.     That the Project Boards for the Brighton Centre, City College (including Wilson Avenue), the Open Market, Preston Barracks and The Keep be retained and that new Project Boards be created in accordance with the criteria set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report as appropriate.

3.     That it be agreed that each of the four main political groups be requested to nominate representatives to join the identified Project Boards.

1.     The retention of Project Boards, where appropriate, is an effective means of providing cross-party engagement and support.

2.     A number of projects are reliant on the full involvement of partners whose engagement is therefore reflected in membership of the relevant Project Board.  With those Boards arriving at decision by consensus, this has provided an effective means of allowing key partners to have a voice in the decision making process.  It is considered important that the new arrangements continue to accommodate this collaborative approach and maintain the close working relationships.

1.     Last year’s review of project decision making structures involved consideration of the most effective arrangements to support project management and delivery, the results of which were reported to the Major Projects Sub-Committee in July 2007.  It was through that review that criteria for the involvement of Project Boards were agreed and Boards retained where appropriate.  The criteria remain valid under the new constitutional arrangements and Project Boards are still regarded as necessary.