Delivering the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) programme has been one of the most complex and emotionally significant pieces of work I’ve been part of. As Project Director, I’ve seen first-hand what it takes to deliver high-profile, strategic programmes - and why our customers can trust us with their most critical projects.
Recent years have seen a significant increase in demand for SARC services, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. More people have been seeking help, and there is a growing recognition of the need to provide accessible, survivor-centred care across England. As such, our customer, NHS England Health and Justice, asked us to support them in the creation of six new or replacement SARCs in the Southeast.
Navigating complexity and building trust
From the outset, the SARC programme demanded more than just technical expertise. We were tasked with delivering six new or replacement SARCs across the Southeast, each one needing to be UKAS accredited and operational within tight timeframes and budgets. The complexity was immense: site searches, planning approvals, stakeholder engagement, and the challenge of aligning every decision with NHSE Health & Justice’s commissioning priorities.
What made the difference was our ability to build trust—with our customer, NHSE Health & Justice, and with every partner involved. Open communication, transparency around risks and issues, and a relentless focus on outcomes helped us navigate obstacles and keep the programme momentum.
Lessons learnt
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It’s a marathon, not a sprint: Delivering a strategic programme of this scale takes time, stamina, and patience. There were moments of intense pressure, but I learned the importance of pacing myself and the team—celebrating small wins, staying focused on the long-term goal, and not losing heart when progress felt slow. Success came from sustained effort and resilience, not quick fixes.
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Strong relationships are key: The strength of our relationships made all the difference. We built a team culture where everyone felt safe to challenge each other, admit when they didn’t understand something, or raise concerns. This openness meant we could address issues early, learn together, and ultimately deliver the best outcome.
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Don’t ignore emotional drivers: Strategic programmes like SARC are about more than bricks and mortar—they’re about people. Recognising the emotional drivers behind decisions, concerns, and motivations helped us support each other and our stakeholders, especially when the work became challenging or sensitive. Acknowledging these emotions meant we could respond with empathy and keep everyone engaged and motivated.
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Share bad news as soon as you’ve got the full picture: Once you understand how big the issue is and have a few options to move forward, let people know. Being upfront early helps manage expectations, speeds up finding solutions, and keeps trust strong.
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Be open to all solutions: Complex programmes rarely follow a straight path. We learned to stay flexible and consider every possible option, even those outside our initial plan. This openness meant we could adapt quickly and keep the programme moving forward, despite unexpected challenges. Having access to colleagues from across NHSPS helped here as it became easier to find someone who had dealt with a similar issue and learn from their mistakes and insights.
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Resilience in the face of challenge: Not every part of the programme went smoothly. Funding constraints and planning hurdles meant some units were delayed or put on hold. The lesson? Stay flexible, communicate early, and always have a plan B.
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Delivering value beyond the project: The programme didn’t just deliver new facilities—it reduced vacant estate, released surplus sites, and supported services for over 34,000 patients. Strategic programmes like this create lasting value for both our customers and the communities they serve.
Why work with us?
My experience on the SARC programme reinforced why customers choose us for their most strategic work. We bring together the right expertise, manage complexity with confidence, and never lose sight of the people at the heart of every project. Our approach is grounded in partnership, transparency, and a commitment to delivering outcomes that matter.
If you’re looking for a team you can trust to deliver high-profile, complex programmes, my journey with the SARC programme shows exactly what we can achieve together.
