Triage, Treat, Transform: Building a PMO

James Evans

Building a PMO in a complex public health system is not a textbook exercise. It is triage, intervention and long-term transformation happening at the same time. This session shares a detailed case study of designing and implementing a PMO from scratch within a live, high-pressure environment marked by limited capability, fragmented governance, cultural resistance and competing strategic priorities.

Rather than applying a generic model, the PMO was deliberately designed to respond to the system it serves. The session will explore the practical decisions, trade-offs and sequencing required to stabilise delivery while building credibility, capability and sustainable governance. It will cover early diagnostics, structural design, role clarity, assurance frameworks, stakeholder engagement and the realities of building trust while still delivering.

Attendees will gain honest insight into what worked, what did not, what remains in progress and how to balance immediate operational pressure with longer-term transformation.