Management
Optimising P3M for UK Nuclear Innovation
About the client
Sellafield Ltd is responsible for the safe and secure management of one of the world's most complex nuclear sites. As a mission-led organisation, it decommissions high-hazard facilities, manages nuclear materials, and delivers environmental remediation that protects people and the planet.
Operating on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield plays a critical national role in addressing the UK’s nuclear legacy. The organisation delivers this mission through programme management, engineering oversight, stakeholder engagement, and supply chain coordination—supported by a long-term commitment to safety, value for money, and social impact.
📍 Sellafield, UK
💼 Nuclear
⚙️ P3 Management
Co-Lab helped us bring more structure and clarity to how we manage our programmes and projects. They’ve been good at cutting through the noise and helping teams focus on what matters, linking day-to-day delivery to the bigger picture. Their support’s made it easier to prioritise, explain decisions, and keep people aligned.
- Craig Branney, Head of Off Site Developments & Spares and Obsolescence, Sellafield Ltd
Challenge
The Need for a Structured P3M Approach
Public sector organisations often operate in complex delivery environments, where multiple programmes, projects, and teams are working in parallel. In these settings, maintaining clear oversight can be difficult. Fragmented data, inconsistent reporting, and varied governance practices can make it hard to see how individual activities align with strategic goals.
Without a clear line of sight from outputs to outcomes and benefits, it becomes challenging to track progress, assess impact, or make timely, evidence-based decisions. This can lead to duplicated effort, missed opportunities, and reduced confidence among stakeholders.
As expectations around transparency, value for money, and strategic alignment continue to grow, the ability to manage performance consistently across portfolios is increasingly important. Organisations are under pressure to demonstrate not just what they are delivering, but why it matters — and how it contributes to long-term public value.
Solution
Implementing an Integrated P3M Framework
Co-Lab implemented an integrated P3M framework featuring dashboards, consistent reporting mechanisms, and risk tracking, streamlining oversight, improving data accuracy, and increasing stakeholder visibility.
Process
Developing and Embedding the P3M Framework
We began by carrying out a detailed assessment of NSG’s existing project controls to understand current practices, strengths, and areas for improvement. This included engaging senior leaders and delivery teams to identify gaps in governance, reporting, and project tracking. Through a series of workshops and working sessions, we co-developed a structured P3M (Project, Programme, and Portfolio Management) framework that aligned with organisational objectives while remaining practical and scalable.
The framework established consistent processes for project initiation, planning, monitoring, and closure, supported by defined roles, responsibilities, and approval pathways. We then integrated the system with real-time dashboards, performance indicators, and risk tracking tools to enhance visibility and support more proactive decision-making.
To ensure the approach was embedded across the organisation, we supported a phased deployment with tailored guidance, team-level implementation planning, and comprehensive training across all relevant functions. This ensured that the new model was adopted both in principle and in daily practice. It helped to build internal capability, strengthen governance, and provide a clearer line of sight from project delivery to strategic impact.
Benefits
Key Outcomes and Organisational Impact
Improved Project Visibility – 100% of projects now tracked through a single source of truth, enhancing decision-making.
Faster Reporting Cycles – Reduced reporting time by 40%, ensuring timely insights for leadership.
Greater Stakeholder Confidence – Increased engagement across 5+ departments, ensuring alignment and accountability.
