Independent certification as a key aspect in the delivery of public sector investment in rail infrastructure: the Sydney Metro and Southwest Greenfield Project

Independent Certification (IC) provides a valuable addition to the conventional check, review and approve cycle for major projects. By its very definition, the IC perspective differs from the Principal through independently focusing on the requirements whilst not being involved in day to day management of the project works. The IC is thus focussed on the completed and delivered project rather than the process of delivery of the project. The ability to provide an overview of compliance from an independent source ensures that the long-term effects of design non-compliances are evaluated before the design is approved. The verification of project requirements focuses on elements that affect overall project success including safety, reliability, maintainability and quality. The role of the Independent Certifier thus to provide compliance reviews that focus on the ‘project whole of life’, whilst also considering the position of “Best for Project”. It is through this independent ‘whole of project’ vision where the IC provides the greatest value to ensure that compromise is eliminated, project requirements are satisfied, and hence the final product achieves the Project goals. Through the informed Independent Certification approach that the ATC (Advisian Typsa Certifer) Team employs in independent certification of Australia’s largest and most challenging transport project, Sydney Metro City & Southwest Greenfield, delays in design approvals are minimised through proactive and early identification of non-compliances. Further, there’s less likelihood of costly and time-consuming conflict between designer interpretation, contractor delivery, and principal’s requirements. Through involvement in early design stage, design non-compliances can be rectified early and not impact delivery timeframes. In short, the IC acts to ensure that all of the good work invested in the definition, development, and approval of project objectives are not diluted or lost. Early identification and removal of obstacles also provides surety to the designers and contractors who are better able to maintain schedules whilst delivering compliant designs. The Informed Certification model pioneered by ATC provides a modern model to provide Independent Certification on major projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.