A Project Control Group (PCG) or Steering Committee is the key body representing the department and participating agencies, formed to ensure capital works projects undertaken remain within the approved scope, budget and timeframe.
The size of a project will determine the type of governance group required to manage the project. Each project has its own specific requirements, which will determine whether additional project control groups are required to ensure the project’s requirements are met. Additional groups are generally only required for very large projects to meet the demands. An explanation of the various groups is listed in the Very Large Projects section of this guideline.
The PCG consists of stakeholders and should meet regularly throughout the project and focus on strategic decisions to ensure:
This guideline outlines the process for establishing a Project Control Group for any project. However, for major or complex projects the membership, delegated authority and reporting structure of the PCG may be different to satisfy the specific requirements of the projected Government policy.
The primary interaction in a capital works project is between Health Service/Agency, Region, Division and Capital Management Branch and, later, the Principal Consultant, Contractor and User Groups. This is best facilitated through the establishment of a Project Control Group as set out in the Figures: Organisational Relationships.
The guideline has been developed to provide an overview of the role of the Project Control Group, with information on its function and responsibilities. As each capital project will have its own specific issues and objectives it is recommended that one of the first tasks for a Project Control Group will be to prepare a procedures manual for the specific project.
The PCG should also familiarise themselves with the other General Management and Project Management Guidelines.
A PCG will be established to manage the implementation and interaction of a capital works project.
The PCG should be formed following the development of a Service Plan and subsequent recognition by the Department that a Master Plan/Feasibility Study is to be undertaken.