More than 150 staff moved to frontline civils roles
Around 300 permanent corporate roles were cut at HS2 Ltd last year as the firm attempted to transition into a slimmed down and “less bureaucratic” model.
According to an end of year update put out by the company responsible for delivering the high-speed line, more than 150 staff were redeployed or appointed to frontline civil delivery roles.
All 23 miles of deep-bore tunnels on the scheme have now been excavated between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street and 70% of the earthworks programme has been delivered.
Former Crossrail boss Mark Wild took over as chief executive of HS2 Ltd just over a year ago, tasked with turning around a scheme which has been slashed by the government as a result of delays and overspends.
As part of the reset, HS2 Ltd has reformed its cost controls, established a new construction schedule and changed its leadership team.
A new chair, Mike Brown, joined the board alongside six new non-executive directors. Meanwhile, Ruth Dunphy joined as chief transformation officer and Morag Stuart joined as chief commercial officer.
“I made a commitment to the Transport Secretary that I would address the failures of the past and get HS2 on track. It’s clear that we can only do so with a fundamental reset,” Wild said.
“Over the last year we’ve been through the programme with a fine tooth comb and we’re now very close to establishing a clear path forward.”
Having previously advised the transport secretary that the original target of opening the railway between 2029 and 2033 could not be achieved, Wild’s organisation is now finalising a new range of cost and schedule estimates against which HS2 Ltd’s performance will be measured.
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