South East Water

Context

Nine Feet Tall were approached by South East Water following confirmation of their AMP8 funding, with a clear ambition to implement a more robust approach to governing their transformation portfolio. South East Water needed a structured, centralised way to prioritise, coordinate and deliver change.

Nine Feet Tall were engaged to establish and embed a centralised PMO responsible for managing the transformation portfolio, while building sustainable capability in project and change management. Key stakeholders included the Executive Board, project leads, and central functions such as IT, Finance and HR.

Delivery

Nine Feet Tall partnered with South East Water to design and implement a fit-for-purpose PMO and governance model that improved visibility, alignment and delivery confidence. A structured methodology for managing the transformation portfolio was introduced, based on defined project lifecycle stages.

A prioritisation matrix was developed to provide the Executive with a clear, data-led view of which initiatives should be accelerated or paused. New governance processes including approval stage gates and escalation routes were implemented to strengthen decision making and accountability. Portfolio reporting was enhanced to provide clearer data insights and support more informed, strategic decisions.

Acting as a first line of defence for project quality, Nine Feet Tall introduced mandatory documentation standards and quality reviews before projects progressed. The PMO also became a central function for improving coordination across business areas, reducing siloes and strengthening alignment.

Alongside establishing the PMO, Nine Feet Tall provided project and change management support to critical initiatives, including the development of a Target Operating Model for merging departments and the introduction of a new engineer night shift. To ensure long term capability build, Nine Feet Tall established a Community of Practice was launched to build internal capability, supported by practical tools, templates and training for Project Sponsors. Work is underway to implement a PPM tool to support future growth and scalability.

Outcome

Nine Feet Tall enabled South East Water to establish a more controlled, aligned and confident approach to managing their transformation portfolio. Financial visibility at Executive level improved significantly, with project costs, scope and benefits now consistently defined and tracked before funding is released. This has strengthened financial control and investment confidence.

Projects are now more effectively prioritised and aligned to strategic objectives, with clearer visibility of the value and benefits each will deliver. Improved reporting and governance have increased confidence in decision making and delivery planning.

Project delivery confidence has increased. Consistent project management standards and clearer resource planning have improved the quality of plans, risks and reporting, enabling more realistic and achievable delivery.