Uma Shanker

Said the following about Christopher Sadler:

“Since Chris joined HS2, and the C23 Team, he has brought a tremendous amount of energy, edge and execution to the team, which is recognised not just by the internal team, but also by our suppliers. Chris has evolved his delivery methods whilst on the project to suit the task in hand - this is an achievement in itself due to the complexity of the C23 £1.3b Main Works Civils Contracts (MWCC). He has been involved with, and on a daily basis works with, our numerous stakeholders and their ever changing priorities, such as (this list is not fully exhaustive, but gives an idea of the sheer scale, complexity and opposing views and priorities we face on a daily basis):

• Land and Property Support Functions

• Health and Safety

• Commercial

• Project Controls

• Environmental

• Design

• Programme, Risk

• Interfaces

• Project Management

• Programme Level Integration Team

• Main Works Civils Contractors and Enabling Works Contractors

• The Board.

Chris has navigated his way through this minefield of interested parties, whilst ensuring he has the SME (Subject Matter Expert) within each area and or support function fully cognisant and in agreement with the plan moving forward. The key challenge here is managing the expectations, workloads and timescales of all of the above, whilst driving forward the project objectives. Individuals’ personalities can sometimes be difficult to manage, but, in all instances, Chris has been able to adapt his approach to suit each situation he encounters. Chris has quickly learnt that certain matters can be sensitive and must be dealt with accordingly, whilst other issues just need a clear direct plan, actions and timescales in place. He is more than happy to either implement and maintain these, or be part of the team to create the desired output whilst bringing all the stakeholders along on the strategy. Examples of this are taking the lead in the implementation of agreement to the new MWCC organisation structure (no mean feat considering the size of the organisation in question) to daily liaison with SMEs to maintain expedient responses within the stipulated timescales. By using these skills, Chris has ensured numerous deliverables from the MWCC up to this mid-point in Stage 1 of the Contract were issued on time and to the right quality. This was achieved by liaising early with the interfacing parties throughout the initial months to ensure mutual expectations were aligned from the start, and therefore increasing efficiencies and aiding collaboration. Chris also played a key part in subsequently ensuring the close out within the HS2 team of these deliverables, whilst maintaining accurate records for auditable purposes, communicating key issues within the team and devising solutions to certain constraints.

Chris has also voluntarily supported some very high profile industry level workshops internally, most notably presenting to the CEO and his Senior Leadership Team a plan going forward for Apprentices and Graduates. A further example of this is facilitation of an interface session involving directors from DfT, East West Rail, Local Authorities and

Third Party Operators, which was particularly impressive, both in terms of facilitating confidently on the day and capturing/summarising outcomes from the complex discussions. Chris also took it upon himself to become an HS2 Education Ambassador and STEM Learner, engaging with the public at events and in schools, inspiring a number of young people through initiatives such as career talks and mock interviews, his most recent at Arden Academy, which he finds very rewarding. In addition to this, Chris has also worked across multiple functions within the large C23 team during his time at HS2 so far, including Project Controls, Project Management and Commercial, with all function leads being similarly impressed by Chris’s proactive and enthusiastic nature. He must take great credit for his overall professional and personable approach.

On joining the organisation, the first task he was set was to use the HS2 Organisation Chart to successfully induct all colleagues at EK, the MWCC, in line with their Health and Safety Policy. This included quantifying overall numbers of staff needing the brief, getting a date and time agreed, with detailed communications with the MWCC to ensure appropriate and sufficient time allocations were allowed within tight timescales. An initial task that Chris succeeded with on time, which proved his ability to embrace technology, go out and get a task completed to a deadline whilst managing different stakeholders, and to a high standard. He encountered people dropping out or incorrect room bookings at the MWCC, which he successfully dealt with in his usual polite and professional manner. After this, Chris has had training, cognisance and substantial input into the NEC Contract on CEMAR, which is the fundamental component of contractual administration of Stage 1, and has had considerable involvement with risk identification, management and mitigation of the project.

When Chris has faced challenges, he hasn’t been afraid to ask for advice from the experienced heads in the team, who have always given him support. This is a great technique for networking with the team and getting the information/support he needs. Chris is always happy to challenge the norm, embrace change and bring a “fresh pair of eyes” to any activity he is involved with. His enthusiasm for the task in hand is admirable, especially in the face of adversity – be it internal governance through to challenging stakeholders to implementing change and new processes.

We have no doubt that as the Stage 2 strategy evolves, Chris will embrace and drive forward the delivery on the ground, by bringing colleagues and stakeholders together and during all construction activities through to handover. He will be a true asset to not only the project, but the construction industry as a whole... inspiring the next generation of apprentices and being a force for positive change in the industry.“