Project Alpha

PIPA is changing... Find out about what Project Alpha is all about, and where PIPA is heading

In 2023, the PIPA Leadership Group (PLG) identified a need to move PIPA forward and secure its operation for the next 10 years. Project Alpha was created to improve the operation of PIPA and align it with the requirements of UKAS and expectations of its stakeholders.

The main aims of Project Alpha is to :

Bring the operation of PIPA in-house, and remove the reliance on external third party secretariat companies
Improve the effectiveness of the PLG by moving it to a strategic board function
Build on PIPA's current governance arrangements
Seek input from all stakeholders to identify what is expected from PIPA in the future
Improve the consistency of PIPA inspections by building a clear framework against HSG175
Achieve UKAS accreditation and transition all members to certification

Implementation

Project Alpha is being implemented in two parks:

Move the PIPA operation to an in-house employed staffing model
Improve the day to day efficiencies of PIPA by implementing new processes and technology solutions
Alter the governance of the organisation, to enable a Managing Director position to oversee the day to day operation of PIPA
Move the position of the PLG to a strategic position to direct the future of PIPA and hold the PIPA office to account

Seek input from all stakeholders into the operation of PIPA to align it to their expectations through use of a consultation process
Implement the views identified from the consultation process to ensure PIPA is moving in the direction of what is expected
Align the PIPA training and examination process to enable accreditation by UKAS
Develop the PIPA inspection into a framework which meets the requirements of HSG175
Require all inspectors to undergo certification against the new framework once accredited by UKAS

Timeline

November 2023 - Project Alpha Initiated

January 2024 - New PIPA Office Commenced

February 2024 - Project Alpha Agreed by Members at EGM

April 2024 - New PLG Structure Commenced

May/June 2024 - PIPA Review 2024 (Consultation Process)

October 2024 - PIPA AGM with Required Scheme Changes

October 2024 onwards - UKAS Accreditation

Click to read the outcome from the PIPA Review 2024

PIPA Review 2024 FINAL