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Programme and Project Management (PPM)
The table below gives a clear picture of the way PPM capability is built on to achieve the higher levels in the framework. The table is intended to guide you to be able to self-assess as to whether you have the required PPM level for the job.
The descriptions help to provide a common language across the Highways Agency and Department for Transport to describe the levels of PPM competence. Generally, you can come into the PPM Network at any level, it is not necessary to work through all the levels.
However, the job advert for the role for which you are considering applying will state the required level we are looking for.
There are five levels at which you can self-assess (or become accredited at as an employee), ranging from no experience through to world-class project and programme managers. The descriptions are there to aid you to develop a clear understanding of where your current capability lies (and where your future development activities should be concentrated).
When self-assessing think about what you have personally done and what outcomes you have influenced. The self-assessment is not about your job description but more about the things you have done and the results you have achieved.
Your PPM skills will be specifically tested at the interview stage of the selection process.
| Level | Key words | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Aware | Demonstrates an interest in Project Management (PM) with initial understanding of the subject area or some involvement/experience. |
| 1 | Understands/Supports | Able to take part in a project team and make a positive contribution through an understanding of the key concepts, issues of implications of project management together with some experience. |
| 2 | Contributes/Applies | In addition to Level 1 abilities, demonstrates practical application of most PM skills in a number of instances within own specialism or environment. Are likely to have acted as a member of a Project or Programme Office or been project / contract managers in a limited range of applications. |
| 3 | Leads | In addition to Level 1 and Level 2 abilities, PPM members at Level 3 will be experienced project or programme managers who have a track record of successfully delivering projects in at least one area of business expertise and who could lead any project within their specialism. They will have demonstrated extensive practical knowledge of project management including the effective application of both 'hard' and 'soft' skills. They will show an understanding of what is important at different stages of the lifecycle of the application of controls beyond basic procedures. It is likely they will share expertise with others, have spoken publicly on PM topics and be practising OGC Gateway Reviewers. |
| 4 | Directs/Intervenes | In addition to Level 3 abilities, Level 4 PPM members will be exceptional project and programme managers. They will have: directed and controlled large programme or project teams; demonstrated proactive interventions to influence outcomes; been personally responsible for successful delivery of objectives and capability or benefits; shown a depth of experience across a range of project/programmes. (They are likely to have covered the full lifecycle). We would expect them to be experienced OGC Gateway Reviewers of high-risk projects. |
| 5 | Strategically Inspires | In addition to Level 4 abilities, Level 5 PPM members will be world-class project and programme managers capable of leading any government project. They are likely to have moved away from hands-on delivery but will have inspired others to succeed. They will be able to demonstrate delivery of the government's agenda. |
