Major Projects Association cover art

Major Projects Association

Major Projects Association

Written by: Major Projects Association
Listen for free

About this listen

 A collection of voices and insights exploring some of the most challenging and complex aspects of delivering major projects - either for business or public good. The Major Projects Association is a community of practice for organisations engaged in the initiation and delivery of major projects, programmes and portfolios. ​For more information, visit www.majorprojects.org.Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Making the Delivery Partner Work: Trust, Incentives, and Risk

    Making the Delivery Partner Work: Trust, Incentives, and Risk
    Dec 9 2025

    In this episode of the Major Projects Association podcast, Executive Director Andy Murray is joined by Lisa Kelvey, Global Head of Infrastructure at KPMG, and Joe Manning, Partner in KPMG’s Major Projects practice, to unpack the rapid rise of the delivery partner and what it means for the future of major project execution. Building on insights from our recent, oversubscribed Manchester seminar, the discussion explores why organisations are increasingly turning to delivery partners to bridge capability gaps, manage complexity, and bring specialist leadership at critical moments in the project lifecycle.

    Drawing on global market trends, UK case studies, and their own programme experience, Lisa and Joe delve into what separates effective delivery partnerships from those that simply add layers of resource. They explore what it takes to set up a delivery partner model well, both on the client side and across the programme, and how capability needs to evolve as projects move through different phases. The conversation also tackles the realities of making these arrangements work day to day, including the commercial and relationship dynamics that can make or break performance.

    And as part of our new podcast feature, the episode ends with a track chosen by our guests - an energising nod to what effective collaboration can enable, and a musical send-off to match the ambition of the conversation.

    Links

    Highlights report of the Rise of the delivery partner seminar

    Lisa Kelvey, Global Head of Infrastructure, KPMG

    Lisa is KPMG’s Global Head of Infrastructure and leads KPMG UK’s Major Projects Advisory practice. A Chartered Civil Engineer with over 25 years’ experience of delivering major projects in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Americas, Lisa provides insight and leading international practice on the planning, procurement and delivery of major infrastructure projects as well as embedding sustainability considerations throughout the asset lifecycle. She provides strategic advice to Project Leaders and Sponsors using her practical, people-focussed approach, backed up with strong technical knowledge to solve the most complex programme challenges.

    Lisa is a recognised industry expert who regularly presents on best practice at industry seminars for both the Major Projects Association and the Association for Project Management and is the KPMG senior sponsor for our initiative with the World Economic Forum and Davos Baukultur Alliance, developing leading international practice Alliance on liveable cities.

    Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn.

    Joe Manning, Partner, Major Projects Advisory, KPMG

    Joe is KPMG Partner in Major Projects Advisory, specialising in strategic and leadership advice for asset owners and major infrastructure programmes.

    His background spans regulated and non-regulated sectors, including transport, power, water, and social infrastructure. He is driven by a passion for improving economic outcomes through greater certainty in infrastructure delivery.

    With over a decade at KPMG and prior experience delivering infrastructure projects for a leading Tier 1 contractor, Joe brings a unique blend of advisory skills and practical project delivery expertise to provide data-driven leadership and solutions.

    Proud husband, father of three, and lover of the outdoors.

    Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Still Our Responsibility: Embedding CLOCS and Safer Logistics Into Major Projects

    Still Our Responsibility: Embedding CLOCS and Safer Logistics Into Major Projects
    Nov 17 2025
    In this special edition of the Major Projects Association podcast, we’re turning our attention to an issue that sits at the core of every major project yet is too often overlooked beyond the site gates: the risk management of our construction logistics operations on public roads. As today’s guest, Kate Cairns, starkly reminds us, “We’re killing four times as many people off site every year as we are on site — what are we doing about this?” It’s a powerful challenge to an industry that has made huge strides in on-site safety, yet still treats off-site risk as something separate, accidental, or unavoidable. Kate is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Sustainability Consultant, and the instigator of the CLOCS standard. Her work has reshaped how the sector understands responsibility, accountability, and the need to manage risk systematically throughout the entire logistics chain. Her advocacy, rooted in profound personal tragedy, has driven a decade of change in how construction vehicles, planning processes, and project teams interact with the communities around them. She is now a CLOCS Advisor, Ambassador and Trainer. In this episode, host Myrna Rickards, Website Content and Communications Manager at the Major Projects Association, speaks with Kate about why off-site risk must be managed with the same rigour, data, and culture we apply on site. They explore the evolution of the CLOCS standard, why language like “accident” undermines real risk recognition, and how early decisions in planning, procurement, and design can eliminate or reduce hazards long before a vehicle turns a wheel. Links CLOCS CLOCS Standard An Introduction to CLPs Guidance for Planners ICE Guidance for Designers Planning for Construction Safety report Blog: Building Safer Cities: How CLOCS Is Reducing Construction-related Road Risk | Major Projects Association Kate Cairns BEng (Hons) MSc DIC CEng CEnv FICE CLOCS Speaker, Trainer, Ambassador Kate is a multi-award-winning agent of change, Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Following a personal tragedy Kate campaigned for over a decade to inspire and collaborate with an enormous range of (sometimes reluctant) stakeholders resulting in change to legislation, policy and standards at local, national and European level to make our streets safer for active travelers. She has led the instigation and evolution of a ‘world-first’ industry standard (CLOCS), to reduce the risk of construction vehicles, the biggest deterrent to cyclists. Kate has embedded CLOCS into Local Authority policy both as a Councillor and now through delivery of the CLOCS Training. Kate has led strategy and standards with the Institution of Civil Engineers creating a world-first standard in sustainability for infrastructure; chairing the Fairness Inclusion & Respect Committee producing a range of best practice; serving on the nomination committee and Council. As a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at Durham University she lectured on Embedding Sustainability and Inclusion into Engineering. As well as CLOCS Ambassador and Trainer, Kate is a professional speaker, advisor and consultant helping clients realise the business synergies of sustainability, safety and inclusivity. She advises on major projects across the UK and Europe. Kate has featured on national TV, radio, broadsheets, and in trade press and podcasts. Connect with Kate on LinkedIn. Myrna Rickards Website, Content & Communications Manager, Major Projects Association Myrna is responsible for maintaining and developing the Major Projects Association’s website, managing the member newsletters, commissioning, editing and publishing blogs and podcasts, and overseeing the knowledge repository. Her work ensures that insights, learning and resources are well-curated, accessible and valuable across the major projects community. She also serves as Secretary to the Studies & Knowledge Committee, which helps shape the Association’s research and knowledge programme. The Committee brings together perspectives from across sectors to examine themes that influence the initiation and delivery of major projects, ensuring the work reflects the breadth and diversity of our membership. Myrna joined the Association in June 2023 and brings over 20 years of combined experience in digital marketing, content development and website management across publishing, education and small business. She has founded and run two successful businesses, built and managed multiple websites, and mentored small business owners on digital strategy and growth. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Connect with Myrna on LinkedIn.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • The Procurement Act 2023: What It Means for Major Projects

    The Procurement Act 2023: What It Means for Major Projects
    Nov 14 2025
    In this episode of the Major Projects Association podcast, host Nicky Wright, Partner at Gardiner & Theobald, is joined by Kate Gough and Rob Colvin of Freshfields to unpack the Procurement Act 2023, the most significant reform of the UK’s public procurement regime in a generation. Together, they explore the motivations behind the new Act, including the desire to simplify a complex EU-derived system and harness the UK’s £341 billion in annual public procurement spending to deliver better outcomes for taxpayers. From contract performance and transparency requirements to expanded exclusion and debarment rules, the discussion highlights how the Act reshapes the relationship between contracting authorities and suppliers. The conversation delves into the introduction of Key Performance Indicators for high-value contracts, the creation of a national debarment list, and the greater scrutiny and accountability now built into the procurement process. Kate and Rob also discuss the practical implications for bidders, from understanding new grounds for exclusion, to navigating direct awards and bid challenges under a redefined legal landscape. Looking ahead, the conversation turns to how future consultations may extend these reforms, especially around prompt payment provisions and defence procurement, reflecting the UK’s growing emphasis on value, agility, and national security in public contracts. As Nicky notes, success under the new regime depends on preparation: understanding the rules, investing in compliance, and building capability well before the next tender hits your desk. This is essential listening for anyone involved in bidding, delivering, or governing public contracts under the new procurement framework. Links Accompanying blogs: The Procurement Act 2023: A New Regime for Exclusion and Debarment The Procurement Act 2023: An Updated Regime for Direct Awards Trends in major project procurement event information, Highlights Report and Full Report Kate Gough Kate is a partner in the Global Projects Disputes Practice and head of the UK public procurement team at Freshfields. She specialises in complex contentious and non-contentious public procurement, construction and infrastructure matters. She has significant experience of advising public and private sector clients on all elements of public procurement law and policy, including designing, implementing, participating in and challenging public tender processes. She has a Master's degree in public procurement law and policy and is on the Board of and a frequent contributor to the Public Procurement Law Review. ‘Kate is brilliantly insightful and able to explain legislative changes in a concise way.’ Chambers UK 2026 Connect with Kate on LinkedIn. Robert Colvin Robert is a Senior Associate and Solicitor-Advocate in the global projects and public procurement practices at Freshfields. He advises clients on a range of public procurement mandates and acts for clients in all forms of dispute resolution with a focus on the defence, technology, construction, engineering, infrastructure and energy sectors. Robert also sits as an arbitral tribunal secretary and is a CEDR Accredited Mediator. He regularly publishes thought leadership pieces, including in the Construction Law Journal and with the Society of Construction Law. Connect with Robert on LinkedIn. Nicky Wright Nicky Wright is a Partner at Gardiner & Theobald LLP focusing on creating and driving supplier resilience across Major Projects. She has worked across both public and private infrastructure covering many sectors across the built environment. She works with clients to ensure that the capability, capacity and appetite of suppliers are actively considered throughout the commercial lifecycle. She aims to implement a market led approach by utilising the expertise of UK suppliers and trade associations to drive appropriate commercial strategies. She is also a Board Member of the British Aviation Group. She has a Masters in Civil & Environmental Engineering, and a MSc in Construction Economics from the Bartlett School at UCL having researched Modern Slavery within the construction industry. Connect with Nicky on LinkedIn.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
No reviews yet