PMFORUM Breaking News

Reported by Miles Shepherd in the UK

The Association for Project Management (APM) in the United Kingdom (UK) has recognized four distinguished project practitioners in its award of Honorary Fellowship to David Hillson, Albert Lester, Geoff Reiss and David Shannon.

David Hillson (pictured right) is a world authority on risk management, is a former chair of APM’s risk management Specific Interest Group and is well known as an author. He is also known for his work in developing risk management within the Project Management Institute (PMI). David continues to support all APM activities and is also a prolific writer on risk management. "I have always tried to promote project management and the Association, and I hope that this honour will help me to do that more effectively,” he said, upon receiving this award

Albert Lester (pictured left) has been tireless in his representation of the construction industry at a number of levels and this is one factor in his award. He has also been a stalwart of the British Standards Institute, where he was a member of the drafting team for BS 6079. This included his role as chair of the subcommittee for BS4079 Part 4 (Project Management in Construction). Albert has also produced a wide range of publications including Project Management, Planning and Control, currently in its 5th edition. "Perhaps one of the most satisfying experiences in one's professional life is to be respected and recognised by one's peers. Although it came as a complete surprise, the honour bestowed on me by APM is therefore very gratifying and greatly appreciated," he stated.

Geoff Reiss (pictured right) is the founder and current chair of the APM Specific Interest Group in programme management and has been heavily involved in the development of this area since its infancy. Geoff has authored the popular titles Project Management Demystified, Programme Management Demystified and One Project Too Many. A major developer of project management software in his early career, Geoff is also a major contributor to the APM Body of Knowledge. According to Geoff, "I was simultaneously very surprised and delighted to be invited to join the elite group of Honorary Fellows of the APM. This indeed is an honour to be proud of."

David Shannon (pictured left) has been closely associated with APM for many years. He was chair of the Professional Development Board and played a major part in APM’s certification development activities before fulfilling an extremely effective role as acting chief executive in 2000. David founded the APM Specific Interest Group on governance, which has produced the successful ‘Directing Change’ and the recent publication Co-directing Change. The honorary fellowship recognises David’s direct involvement with APM and its development over the last two decades.

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the UK’s national body for professional project management. With over 15,000 individual and 390 corporate members throughout the UK and abroad, APM is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Europe. The organization develops and promotes project management across all sectors of industry and beyond. APM's published mission is: "To develop and promote the professional disciplines of project and programme management for the public benefit." APM is the UK member of the International Project Management Association (IPMA). With headquarters in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, APM has twelve regional branches throughout the UK and one in Hong Kong. Additional information can be found at www.apm.org.uk.

Miles Shepherd Global Advisor and International Correspondent UK based in London Miles Shepherd is a global advisor and International Correspondent for PMForum in the United Kingdom. He is also managing director for MS Projects Ltd, a consulting company supporting various UK Government agencies, nuclear industry organisations and other businesses. Miles has over 30 years’ experience on a variety of projects in UK, Eastern Europe and Russia. His PM experience includes defence, major IT projects, decommissioning of nuclear reactors, rail and business projects for the UK Government and EU. Past Chair and Fellow of the Association for Project Management (APM), Miles is also past president and chair of the International Project Management Association (IPMA). Additional information about Mr. Shepherd can be found at Additional information about Mr. Shepherd can be found at www.pmforum.org/pm forum team/. Miles can be contacted at miles.shepherd@msp-ltd.co.uka