First Report on Campsie Office Accommodation and Synergy e-Business Incubator (SeBI)

Northern Ireland Assembly Report 01/10/11R, First Report of Session 2010-11 - Report Together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee Relating to the Report and the Minutes of Evidence

Author:
Northern Ireland Assembly - Public Accounts Committee
Publisher:
TSO (The Stationery Office)
Price: £12.50

In this 'Report on Campsie Office Accommodation and Synergy e-Business Incubator (SeBI)' the Committee for Public Accounts finds that the Campsie and Synergy e-Business Incubator (SeBI) projects were not managed to an acceptable standard.

Whilst the Committee recognises that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and Invest Northern Ireland need to take risks in order to stimulate economic development in Northern Ireland, it also stresses the importance of risk management in any risk related process.

Risk needs to be identified at the outset of projects and managed in line with guidance issued by the Department of Finance and Personnel. The Committee is disappointed that the leasing arrangements for the Campsie units and the investment in SeBI produced very little value for money. In total, around £3 million was spent on these two projects with limited numbers of jobs and new businesses created.

In light of the fact that significant risks were brought to the attention of the Department at the start of both projects, and yet it decided to proceed, the Committee finds that when initial appraisals highlight risks and threats, these should be taken seriously and assessed properly. Where potential risks are identified and reinforced, it is essential that effective steps to manage these should be put in place.

The Committee is also concerned by the poor quality of project management exercised over both the Campsie and the SeBI project, and further recommends that:

  • There should be compelling reasons whenever public bodies choose not to follow professional advice. These reasons should be clearly documented before decisions are made.

  • When Departments and other public bodies enter into binding contracts including leases, they clearly demonstrate that due diligence has been applied in each case.

  • When a major control failure occurs, which ultimately leads to a significant loss to the public purse, a robust inquiry must take place to establish the facts and lessons to be learned.

Extent 74 pages ISBN 9780339603479
Size A4 Price £12.50
Format Paperback Published 30 Sep 2010
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