News
Government launches new standard for programme and project data
Today, Government Project Delivery has published its first subject-specific standard for programme and project data for an initial trial period.
This provides organisations across government with a common way of defining, formatting and updating programme and project data. Better quality data helps government make smarter decisions and improve project delivery.
What is the programme and project data standard?
The ‘Programme and project data standard’ sets expectations for how programme and project data should be created, defined, and maintained. It introduces consistent definitions, formats, and update timelines for core data elements such as milestones, costs, risks, and benefits.
Why this standard matters
Having a single, central programme and project data standard means that all programmes and projects can create and manage their data in the same way. It makes it easier to create better quality data, to generate better insights and to share and compare data across government.
This standard begins to address issues in data fragmentation and data quality, identified in recent cross-government reports (‘Data Analytics and AI in Government Project Delivery’ (GOV.UK), and the ‘State of Digital Government Review’ (GOV.UK)).
Becky Wood, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and Head of the Project Delivery Function, said:
“By publishing this standard, we’re laying the foundations for better data. We’re unlocking the potential of even more digital and AI tools to boost productivity and transform how programmes and projects are delivered across government.
“Through events, workshops, pilots and feedback on early drafts, other government functions and departments, arm’s length bodies, industry and academia have come together to share lessons and collaborate on this standard, in a truly whole-sector effort.”
What happens next
The standard will roll out in stages over 5 years.
2025
Version 1 published for a trial period.
2026
The 12 month trial runs until 31 December 2026. Departments and arm’s length bodies make plans to adopt the standard.
Early 2027
Version 2 published after the trial. It will be mandatory. In-scope organisations must comply with or show clear progress to adopting the standard.
2030
In-scope organisations are expected to meet the standard.
A collaborative approach
Nine organisations piloted the programme and project data standard. A user reference group with leaders from 15 organisations helped improve it and an early version was shared for industry feedback. Two boards guided the work; one was the Government Project Delivery Data and AI Programme Board. The other was the Government Project Delivery Product Board. The Data Standards Authority (GOV.UK), part of the Government Digital Service, endorsed the standard.
Support and guidance
Three key resources are available to help organisations and practitioners use the standard:
- ‘Adopting the programme and project data standard’ helps organisations assess their programme and project data environments and get ready to adopt the standard
- ‘The Teal Book’ provides practical advice on how to use programme and project management data
- a blog from the HM Land Registry explains the importance of following the new standard and explaining it all involved