We recently revealed a massive Dods Research report, created in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London for the Association for Project Management. Titled “The Politics of Projects in Westminster and Public Sector Initiatives“, this report examines how political dynamics and stakeholder interests in Westminster shape major public infrastructure projects in the UK.
Let’s take a look at how the Dods Research team managed to deliver this massive project.
Overview
The Association for Project Management (APM) have a research fund designed to encourage researchers to help uncover the challenges in project management across all domains. In a pivotal year for APM with a change of government, the Dods Political Intelligence team highlighted that understanding how political dynamics shape the delivery of major UK public projects is crucial to stop the same mistakes happening again. This project sought to ensure that APM, and by extension its members, were well equipped to deliver the best projects possible for the UK taxpayer.
Objectives
As part of this project, the Association for Project Management had four main objectives:
- Explain how stakeholder influence, power structures, and negotiation in Westminster affect public project planning and delivery
- Map the formal and informal political dynamics that shape decisions from appraisal through to execution
- Produce practical strategies for stakeholder engagement and negotiation in high-stakes settings
- Provide evidence and recommendations that practitioners and policymakers can apply immediately
Methods
To meet our client’s objectives, our Dods Research team partnered with Queen Mary University of London, one of the top 10 universities in the UK. We worked together with their team, led by former Transport Minister Tony McNulty, using the following methods:
- Literature review covering appraisals of Westminster interactions, public support, and delivery
- Case studies of Crossrail and Thames Tideway
- Stakeholder interviews of MPs, senior officials, and project professionals
- A Parliamentary survey of MPs and teams
Outcomes
The work delivered by our team started in September 2024, with the final report published one year later, in September 2025. Here are the key outcomes resulting from this collaboration:
- An original report titled “The Politics of Projects in Westminster and Public Sector Initiatives”; this was an evidence-based framework that explains how politics affects projects across four stages: appraisal, interactions, public support, and delivery
- Two contemporary case studies showcasing best practices and common errors titled “Crossrail decoupled from unrealistic deadlines” and “Tideway securing consent through early engagement”
- A coherent, actionable set of reforms and recommendations for Government and delivery bodies
About Dods Research
Dods Research is an on-demand, expert-driven research arm designed by Dods Political Intelligence to support public affairs teams in three key ways: what’s happening in policy and politics right now, what you can do to influence developments, and who can make this happen.
Dods Research delivers bespoke, consultant-led insights across three different levels: State of Play Reports, Policy White Papers, and Campaign Advisory. Whether you’re tracking legislative change, crafting campaigns, or assessing stakeholder sentiment, our tailored research helps you act with clarity and confidence. Find out more about Dods Research.
About the Association for Project Management
The Association for Project Management (APM) is the only chartered membership organisation for the project profession. Their activities build the profile the profession warrants, challenge the status quo where it matters, and set the highest standards. Their activities range from qualifications, networking and events to research, resources and debate, raising the profile of the project profession, challenging the status quo where it matters and setting the highest standards. APM has over 35,000 individual members and more than 450 organisations participating in their Corporate Partnership Programme. Find out more about the Association for Project Management.