GPD-PN 03/26: Mega Project delivery bodies pay freedoms (HTML)

This letter is to inform you that Government Project Delivery has published a ‘Process for agreeing senior pay freedoms for Mega Project delivery bodies’ (requires log in) for use by programmes and projects with, or seeking, Mega Project status.

Organisations should be aware that current Mega Projects, or programmes and projects seeking Mega Project status, can follow the guidance to obtain automatic senior pay freedoms for their delivery bodies. 

Through the Office for Value for Money’s studies, the government has granted Mega Projects’ delivery bodies automatic freedoms to determine pay for specialist roles that require skills not typically held by civil servants.  

The guidance was developed by Government Project Delivery to outline the process by which Mega Projects can agree project-specific arrangements for delivery body senior pay delegations via a project’s strategy and delivery plan and the Mega Projects Decision Panel. 

From 1 April 2026, the guidance outlines the route to obtain senior pay delegations for programmes and projects seeking Mega Project status.  

For current Mega Projects, existing delivery body pay arrangements will remain as previously agreed with HM Treasury. 

Becky Wood

Government Head of Function for Project Delivery
Chief Executive Officer, National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority