The government department responsible for the island’s major capital schemes needs to be restructured as a matter of urgency, according to an independent investigation.

A supervisory body should be created within the Department of Infrastructure that includes senior representatives of stakeholders for whom services are provided, the report says.

Urgent action needs to be taken to bolster the department’s project management capacity.

And there’s also room for improvement in external communication and engagement.

The government-commissioned review by Beamans management consultants states: ’In summary, the current organisational and management structure is unsuited to supporting the work of a delivery oriented department.’

The report states: ’Across the department there is a shortfall in the availability of accredited project managers to support the capital programme.

’This is compounded by the fact that the island’s supply chain is weak which makes sourcing additional project management capacity more difficult.

’In our view, this situation represents a serious strategic risk to the delivery of the capital programme and urgent action needs to be taken to bolster the department’s project management capacity.’

Beamans says the department is not strong enough in key project delivery and commercial competencies, such as project planning and management, adding: ’In short, it lacks the skills, management and resources to deliver the current programme.’

It acknowledges that the department’s view is that it delivers at least 80% of its projects on time, within budget, and to quality.

’This may or may not be the case,’ the report states.

’However, we saw no evidence that any post project evaluation or reviews of completed projects being undertaken, both to ensure they have delivered and realised the intended benefits and more importantly, to routinely capture learning from completed projects.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle has welcomed the findings, adding: ’There is a great deal for the Council of Ministers and for the Minister for Infrastructure to consider.

;We must ensure that government agencies have the capacity and capability to perform their duties and deliver effective and efficient services for the people of the Isle of Man. There are clearly areas to be addressed within the Department of Infrastructure to enable it to do this.’

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker described the report as a blueprint for the future.

Mr Baker said: ’The review clearly recognised the critical part the department plays in supporting the daily life of the island.

’It also includes a number of important recommendations which can help the department to improve the way it operates to deliver these crucial services.

’This is an exciting opportunity to ensure the department is fit for the future and can deliver for our people and our island.

’There is a great deal of work ahead. Some changes can be made quickly, others will take more time, planning and resource. But I am confident we have a blueprint for the future.’