Programme Controls

Applying the GRIP methodology to a diverse, multi-discipline major programme

Over the last 10 years, the delivery of infrastructure projects and programmes by Network Rail has come a long way and so have the processes for governance and control of these projects evolved to serve the operational challenges facing the company, adapt to various contractual arrangements for project delivery as well as meet the demands of multiple stakeholders.

Apart from the re-development of iconic stations like London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon, and the huge physical infrastructure improvements to signalling, track, telecoms, depot and rolling stock, that the Thameslink Programme brings to the railway network, perhaps one of the many achievements to be shared is how the Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) methodology was applied to such a diverse, multi-discipline, major programme by adopting a flexible but structured governance approach.

“It is essential that those who are involved with project development and delivery are familiar with GRIP and equipped to implement it” Simon Blanchflower, Major Programme Director – Thameslink

Using the experiences gained from predecessor programmes, Thameslink’s team integrated the GRIP lifecycle to produce an Integrated Management System (Thameslink IMS) which covered: Planning, Execution, Risk management, Change control, Reporting, Assurance, Health & Safety and Document control processes. This was achieved by streamlining governance reporting, introducing the use of process maps, modified templates and centralised Project Management Office (PMO) operations.

Programme Controls Case Studies

GRIP application

How Network Rail's Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) methodology was applied on Thameslink Programme, including key lessons learned and best practice examples.

Document Control

The challenges, benefits and lessons learned during the implementation of Document Control on the Thameslink Programme

Logistics Planning: London Bridge Station

Overcoming the logistics planning challenges during the redevelopment of London Bridge station

Risk Management: London Bridge Station

Managing cost and schedule uncertainty on a major construction project.

Requirements Management: London Bridge Station

This case study looks at scope hierarchy and assurance reporting during the LBSR project. It also shares requirements management best practice, lessons learned and key recommendations for future infrastructure projects.

Project Systems: London Bridge Station

How using an integrated project delivery platform can provide a single source of truth, to aid project delivery and increase efficiency

Sub-Contractor Technical Interface Review (STIR): London Bridge Station

A three-stage process to ensure physical interfaces were allocated, coordinated and completed correctly first time on site by subcontractors during the London Bridge Station Redevelopment project.

Cable Management Sleepers

Developing a new design of cable manager sleeper, reducing the need for under track crossings, led to a significant cost saving for Thameslink Programme.

Lessons Learned Summary: Bermondsey Dive Under

Key lessons from what went well on the project including: integrated planning and relationship management, management of third party relationships, integrated working, change management, Value Engineering and scheme handback and close-out. The case study also looks at what could have been improved, including contract content, contract administration and rework/redesign costs, and proposes recommendations for future schemes.

As-Built Information Delivery: London Bridge Station

Recommendations for future projects to improve the planning, management and delivery of as-built information during the close out phase

Delivery & Execution Strategy: Key Output 2

How collaboration and incentivisation were crucial to successful delivery of Key Output 2, including the re-signalling, track remodelling and construction of London Bridge station, construction of the Bermondsey Dive Under to the east and Borough Viaduct to the west.