Asset management competency framework

The new code of practice for Well-managed Highway Infrastructure (WMHI), developed by the DAM team in 2016, is the reference document for Asset Management for Local and Highway Authorities in the UK. It is endorsed by the Department of Transport (DfT) and used in conjunction with the Self-assessment questionnaire to assess how much funding DfT provides to Local Authorities for asset maintenance. Hence, it is important for local authorites (LAs) to comply with the Code of Practice (CoP) and show improvements in asset management maturity. 

In response to these client requirements and challenges, the DAM team produced a competency framework aligned to the latest CoP, Well-managed Highway Infrastructure (WMHI), and the international standard ISO 55000. The framework allows the assessment of authority competence and identifying progression routes and gaps in training or experience. The tool can also then be used to highlight opportunities for cross-organisation support and enhancing the employability of individuals.

The final phase of the delivery process was to deliver roll-out activities to promote and embed the use of the framework. To achieve this Atkins arranged for the framework to be published on UK Road Liaison Group's (UKRLG’s) website and social media. Atkins also delivered workshops for London Boroughs during which the framework was presented, familiarising the attendees with its context and its use and encouraging them to use it for their own Authorities. The Atkins team collated all the feedback provided during those workshops and fed back to the UKRLG Asset Management Board.