An afternoon for PMO professionals across the emergency services – Fire, Police, Ambulance, NHS, Search & Rescue – to share, learn and connect
Wednesday 19th November in Westminster, London from 1.00pm
Hosted by the House of PMO and AtkinsRéalis, this non‑profit event is designed for PMO professionals working in Blue Light‑affiliated organisations. Expect keynote insights, a blue light services panel session, and hands‑on roundtables focused on the challenges that matter most to emergency services PMOs.
About | Agenda | Venue | Networking | FAQ
PMOs in Blue Light: A Sector-Focused Afternoon of Insight and Connection
Blue Light PMO Summit take place on the 19th November 2025 in London
The Blue Light PMO Summit brings together PMO professionals from Fire, Police, Ambulance, NHS and Search & Rescue. Hosted by the House of PMO and AtkinsRéalis, this brand‑new event is a powerful afternoon of insight, discussion and connection – demonstrating how PMOs can support transformation and resilience where it matters most.
Why You Should Join
- Hear keynote insights from industry leaders and partners
- Learn from real-world case studies from Blue Light PMOs
- Take part in interactive roundtable discussions on the challenges that matter most
- Build your network with peers from across the sector
- Leave with practical takeaways to strengthen your PMO
- All profits will be donated to a Blue Light‑related charity.
Summit at a Glance
Blue Light PMO Summit attendees can expect an afternoon tackling the big challenges and opportunities facing PMOs. The focus will be on moving beyond the “admin team” label to becoming strategic drivers of change – how the PMO can support the reduction of project failure rates, increase project management capability, strengthen resilience, and deliver real value in the face of tech disruption and public scrutiny.
See the agenda to explore how these themes will be brought to life through practical discussions, insights, and shared experiences.
Blue Light PMO Summit Schedule
1:00 - 1:30pm
Arrival, Welcome & Registration
Welcome refreshments are served as you settle in and an opportunity for early networking.
1:30 - 1:45 PM
Opening Remarks: Setting the Scene for Transformation
An overview of the summit objectives and the critical role of PMOs in the UK blue light sector.
1:45 - 2:30 PM
Opening Keynote – Insights into PMO Transformation Within Blue Light Services
This session explores how PMOs are moving beyond perceived “bureaucratic add-ons” to become value-adding functions that help prevent costly project failures and drive strategic change, especially in environments facing rapid technological advancements and public scrutiny.
2:30 - 3:15 PM
Panel Discussion – Real Stories, Real Challenges: PMOs on the Frontline
A panel featuring Blue Light PMO professionals with discussion will focus on real-world case studies and experiences related to project delivery, with an emphasis on overcoming cultural and structural hurdles.
Expect insights into gaining leadership recognition and colleague buy-in for PMO initiatives; strategies for overcoming change fatigue and cynicism; good practices for supporting project delivery and increasing maturity and elevating the value and benefits of the PMO.
3:15 - 3:30 PM
Break & Networking
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Facilitated Roundtable Discussions
Attendees will participate in themed discussions tailored to key Blue Light PMO challenges, focusing on practical insights and solutions. Each table will have a facilitator, and attendees will have the opportunity to rotate between themes.
Sessions will focus on four high level theme areas:
Discussion areas such as:
- Breaking Down Silos: Exploring ways PMOs can strengthen collaboration and data sharing across different emergency services, overcoming “us vs. them” mindsets.
- Overcoming “Not Invented Here”: Looking at how to tackle resistance to shared systems and approaches, and building acceptance of centralised solutions.
- Building Trust & Recognition: Discussing how PMOs can earn credibility, demonstrate value, and shift perceptions from admin to strategic partner.
Discussion areas such as:
- Tackling Change Fatigue: Sharing strategies to combat cynicism and re-energise teams that have experienced repeated reforms or failed initiatives.
- Supporting the Human Side: Considering how PMOs can play a role in supporting staff wellbeing, resilience, and mental health during change.
- Developing Capability: Identifying the skills, behaviours, and learning approaches PMOs need to thrive in the blue light sector.
Discussion areas such as:
- PMO as a Strategic Enabler: Focusing on how PMOs can move beyond process and oversight to actively drive transformation and deliver value.
- Adapting to Tech & Innovation: Examining how PMOs can help organisations modernise, from managing legacy systems to embracing digital and AI.
- Securing Executive Sponsorship: Exploring practical ways to gain strong leadership support and embed PMO influence in decision-making.
Discussion areas such as:
- Learning from Failures: Reflecting on lessons from high-profile project challenges to improve delivery and rebuild trust.
- Shaping the Next-Gen PMO: Imagining what a future-ready PMO looks like in the blue light sector and how to get there.
- Cross-Service Collaboration: Considering how PMOs across services can work together more effectively and create a stronger collective voice.
4:30 - 5:00 PM
Report Back & Key Takeaways
Summaries from each roundtable discussion, highlighting key insights, challenges, and actionable solutions identified by participants.
The House of PMO will be producing a report from the day’s activities and outcomes.
5:00 - 5:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Charity Donation Announcement
Concluding thoughts on the path forward for Blue Light PMOs and the ongoing evolution of PMO maturity in emergency services.
Announcement of the Blue Light-related charity receiving the event’s profits – you get to decide!
5:30 PM onwards
Post Summit Networking
Join us for post-summit networking, drinks and nibbles at the nearby tavern – The Feathers where we extend the chats at the PMO Flashmob [more details] Your Blue Light PMO Summit ticket gives you free entry!
Join us for a PMO Flashmob
Join your fellow PMO professionals after the Blue Light PMO Summit for an informal, after-work gathering at the brilliant Feathers Pub in St James’s.
This isn’t your typical networking event – there are no presentations, no formalities, and definitely no hard sells. Just a group of people who love PMO getting together over a pint (or two), swapping stories, sharing insights, and having a good laugh.
Whether you’re a seasoned PMO pro, new to the world of delivery support, or somewhere in-between, this is your chance to connect with others in the PMO community in a relaxed, sociable setting.
House of PMO
PMOs in emergency services face unique pressures – high stakes, constant change, and public scrutiny. This summit is designed specifically to give Blue Light PMO professionals space to share experiences, tackle sector-specific challenges, and learn from each other.
AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is proud to partner with the House of PMO on the Blue Light PMO Summit, showcasing our shared commitment to helping PMOs deliver real impact. Together we’re empowering PMO leaders across emergency services to drive transformation and resilience where it matters most.
The Venue
Blue Light PMO Summit takes place at the Conrad Hotel.
Located in the former Queen Anne’s Chambers, their 19th-century building is less than a mile from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.
The Conrad Hotel St. James will make for an amazing venue for our first Blue Light PMO Summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get in touch if you have a question that needs answering!
Can I book a ticket now?
Yes! Blue Light PMO Summit tickets are available now!
Is there a cost to attend?
House of PMO members and corporate members – there is no charge to attend.
All other attendees, it’s £50+VAT
Who is the Blue Light PMO Summit event aimed at?
The summit is designed for PMO leaders, managers, and practitioners working within the UK’s emergency services — police, fire and rescue, ambulance, NHS emergency care, and search and rescue.
It’s also relevant for senior stakeholders and change leaders who want to understand how PMOs can drive transformation, strengthen resilience, and improve project outcomes across the blue light sector.
How is the event?
It takes place in the afternoon from 1pm GMT and officially finshes at 5.30pm.
There is a post-summit networking event – PMO Flashmob, taking place afterwards and you’re invited.
Are there any discounts for group bookings?
This is a non-profit available with proceeds being donated to a blue light charity – as such, no discounts are available.
Can I pay via BACS transfer with a purchase order?
Yes, just choose the direct bank transfer option during checkout.
Which charity are you supporting?
Summit attendees will be selecting their preferred choice from a shortlist of blue light affiliated charities.
Will the summit be recorded?
No, the summit is designed as an in-person, interactive event.
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House of PMO Ltd © Copyright 2025