Successful transport decision-making - Osmose

Vol 2 - Table of Contents Next Practical information
Who participates and how?
Recruitment of project champions
Since project champions should help drive the project forward, it is essential that they have a positive attitude and a clear vision for
the project. You should first engage a project champion during the project's scoping phase. This enables them to understand and
contribute to the project from the very beginning, and gives them an opportunity to rally support from decision-makers early on.
Administrative project champion:
Politicians and leading figures in a city administration are often the initiators of a project, especially in the case of large infrastructure projects.
Because of this they are involved from the beginning and have a strong personal interest in the project that can be harnessed by the team.
Professional project champion:
Key figures from professional interest groups (e.g. retail associations, investors), external consultants and experts can significantly influence
stakeholder opinion regarding a transport project. They should have similar qualifications as administrative project champions, such as
technical competence, the ability to assert themselves and credibility in the eyes of the public and other stakeholders.
External project champion:
Famous individuals and/or representatives of well-known non-professional lobby groups are also good choices for the role of a project
champion. As they are seen as being independent, their actions and opinions often have a bigger impact on the public, media and politicians
than the combined efforts of the partners directly involved in the project.
Project champions for neighbourhood schemes:
It is not sensible to try to recruit someone of national standing to promote a neighbourhood scheme - unless they are resident in the local
area. A local politician is much more credible and it is more probable that he/she is passionate enough to initiate the process and follow it
right through to completion. To build consensus among stakeholders, the project champion has to work closely with neighbourhood residents
and business owners, so the project is perceived as providing a neighbourhood enhancement rather than an intrusion.
Normally the project manager is the main contact
point for communication between project champions
and the project team, in recognition of the importance
of the champion. During the recruitment process, the
personal contacts of the project partners can play an
important role in identifying suitable candidates as
potential project champions.
How much does it cost?
Project champions do not usually create additional
costs. The only cost factor is the time necessary for
keeping the project champion fully briefed on the
progress of the project, and perhaps the payment of
some expenses. Usually their contribution to a project
is voluntary, so it is necessary that their identification
with the project and its goals is strong.
What skills are required?
Project champions should be in a position of influence
and not highly controversial within their own
organisation. Project champions contributing to the
engagement process should have a high credibility in
the eyes of the public, be technically proficient and,
above all, be good communicators.
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Project champions for transport plans, major infrastructure projects and demand management
schemes:
Most requirements mentioned above are also relevant for large scale projects. However, more emphasis has to be placed on the recruitment
of project champions in a position of significant power. While achieving the support of various stakeholders plays a major role, other
requirements may be added, such as to help create decision-making structures suitable for the successful delivery of the project; gaining
political and institutional support; and gaining financial support. Here a primary role of the project champion is as a lobbyist, to advocate and
promote the benefits of the project, in order to ensure that senior decision-makers view the project as necessary and important.
Checklist:
Ensure your intended project champion is a non-controversial figure, with the support of his/her organisation and from a majority of the public.
To avoid the politicisation of your project, select non-controversial project champions with common interests.
Always inform your project champions sufficiently in advance of new developments in the project.
Try to attract project champions that will adopt the vision of the project and will push the project forward without constant pressure from the
project management team.
Invite your project champions to all major engagement events to publicly demonstrate their support.
What are the drawbacks?
Political project champions can be at risk from
increased opposition to a project (from political
opponents) as a result of party politics. This risk is
even higher if the chosen champion is a controversial
person. If the project champion is not kept fully
informed of the developments in a project, there is a
risk that this high profile figure might inadvertently
lead public opinion in a direction that is at odds with
the new direction of the project.
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