Orbit

Context

Orbit approached Nine Feet Tall to help strengthen control and visibility across a complex portfolio of change, where strengthening governance and increasing internal capacity were important considerations. Following an initial portfolio health check, Nine Feet Tall identified several areas requiring maturity. This included the need for a single portfolio view of all milestones and budgets, clearer processes for initiating projects, and additional specialist expertise to drive progress on challenging projects. The change function needed to rebuild confidence across the business and deliver projects consistently in line with strategic objectives.

Delivery

Working in partnership with Orbit, Nine Feet Tall designed and embedded a new change initiation process and led the roll-out to the wider business. A new Portfolio Prioritisation Board was established to create transparency and ensure projects aligned with business priorities. Alongside this, a unified portfolio view was developed, enabling better decision-making and tracking of progress. Nine Feet Tall provided flexible delivery support through an expert team with project management, change management, PMO and business analysis skills, coupled with coaching to strengthen internal leadership capability. Regular ExCo reporting increased visibility of progress, while the 9FT team also provided input on the design of a new Target Operating Model for the Technology directorate, transitioning ownership of the portfolio to permanent internal roles.

Outcomes

The engagement delivered a more mature and coordinated portfolio with a single view of budgets and timelines, underpinned by a clear and repeatable change initiation process. Projects were prioritised in line with Orbit’s 2030 strategy, while non-aligned initiatives were discontinued. The final transition to the new operating model ensured sustainable ownership, and the Technology directorate is now on a path to becoming a trusted partner with the wider business.