Portfolio management - an idea whose time has come?

The newly formed APM Portfolio Management SIG, held a highly successful inaugural meeting on 18 November in the Grand Connaught Rooms, London. The event included:

• Steve Jenner welcomed attendees to the event and outlined progress made since the SIG was established at the end of September. Steve also explained the main highlights of the SIGs 2011-12 Business Plan. Steve emphasised that he encouraged all members of the SIG to take an active role in the agenda going forward and welcomed contributions to the business plan. Steve also outlined the results of the high level maturity survey which had found remarkably similar results to a survey of government organisations earlier this year - and which highlights the scope for improvement. The results are included in Steve's presentation.

• Adrian Pyne then discussed approaches to engaging a senior audience.

• Dr Grant Bourhill of the Energies Technology Institute gave an insightful presentation on the application of Portfolio Management in an environment of LONG time spans and a high degree of uncertainty. He stressed the importance of rigorous gate reviews and an evidence based approach to investment.

• Finally, Phil Cooper from the Efficiency and Reform Group updated the SIG on recent developments in Central Government including moves planned towards more integrated project assurance.

All the presentations from the day can be downloaded below.