Project Controls is about more than schedules, budgets and risk registers. Behind every successful project is a team of people working together, sharing knowledge and making informed decisions.

Across the UK's rail, infrastructure, defence and energy sectors, Project Controls professionals play an important role in keeping complex programmes on track. However, while technical expertise is essential, it's often the relationships, communication and collaboration behind the scenes that make the biggest difference.

This was a central theme of two Project Controls community events held in London on 15 October 2026: the RPCuk Primavera Conference and Project Connect Group (PCG) London.

Bringing together professionals from across the industry, these events highlighted something we strongly believe at PACE - a connected Project Controls community is a stronger one.

Bringing the Project Controls Community Together

The RPCuk Primavera Conference at IET London, Savoy Place, provided an opportunity for professionals to connect around the tools, practices and challenges shaping Project Controls.

The day was followed by Project Connect Group London at Sway Bar, bringing the community together in a more informal setting.

While the two events offered different experiences, they shared an important purpose: creating opportunities for people to learn from one another and build meaningful professional relationships.

For an industry responsible for delivering some of the UK's most complex projects, these connections matter.

Whether you're an experienced Planning Manager, a Risk Analyst, a Project Controls Director or someone just starting your career, having access to a supportive professional network can make a genuine difference.

It creates opportunities to exchange ideas, discover different approaches and learn from people who have faced similar challenges.

And sometimes, the most valuable conversations happen outside the meeting room.

Successful Project Delivery Starts with People

One of the key themes explored at Project Connect Group London was the relationship between people, behaviours and successful project delivery.

An interactive session led by Paul Major of CM | Changemaker focused on how different working styles influence communication, decision-making and collaboration.

It's an important topic for Project Controls professionals.

We spend considerable time developing programmes, monitoring progress, analysing risks and reporting performance. These activities provide the information needed to make better project decisions.

But even the most detailed schedule cannot deliver a project on its own.

People need to understand the information, communicate effectively and work together to turn plans into action.

For example, a Planner might identify a potential delay, but resolving it often requires collaboration between commercial teams, engineering, delivery managers and senior stakeholders.

Similarly, a Risk Manager can identify and assess potential threats, but effective mitigation depends on people taking ownership and following through.

Technical skills help us understand what needs to happen. Strong relationships help us make it happen.

For employers, this reinforces the importance of looking beyond technical qualifications when building Project Controls teams.

Communication, adaptability, collaboration and stakeholder management are equally valuable qualities.

Why Networking Matters for Project Controls Careers

Professional networking is sometimes viewed primarily as a way to find a new job.

While building relationships can certainly open doors to career opportunities, its value extends much further.

For Project Controls professionals, networking provides opportunities to learn about industry developments, understand how other organisations operate and gain different perspectives on common challenges.

Someone working in rail may discover an approach to risk management used successfully in the energy sector. A Project Planner working on infrastructure programmes might benefit from hearing how defence teams manage complex stakeholder requirements.

These conversations can introduce fresh thinking and encourage better ways of working.

Networking can also help professionals understand the skills employers are looking for and how career opportunities are evolving.

At PACE, we regularly speak with professionals at different stages of their careers. One thing that consistently stands out is the value of having people willing to share their experiences and offer guidance.

You don't need to be actively looking for a new role to benefit from these conversations.

Sometimes, a useful piece of advice or an introduction to the right person can have a lasting impact.

Creating More Opportunities for Women in Project Controls

Building a stronger industry also means ensuring that more people feel supported and encouraged to progress.

The Women in Project Controls Community of Practice, supported by the Controls & Skills Authority (CaSA), is helping to create opportunities for greater connection, mentorship and professional development.

Its speed networking sessions at Project Controls Expo in November 2026 provide another opportunity for professionals to share experiences, develop relationships and support one another.

Initiatives like these are important because career progression should not depend solely on who someone already knows.

Access to mentors, supportive colleagues and experienced industry professionals can help individuals build confidence, explore opportunities and develop their careers.

There is also an important role for male allies, ambassadors, volunteers and industry leaders.

Creating a more inclusive Project Controls profession requires people across the industry to contribute.

That might mean offering mentorship, introducing someone to a professional contact, sharing knowledge or simply encouraging a colleague to put themselves forward for an opportunity.

Small actions can make a meaningful difference.

For employers, supporting initiatives like these can also contribute to stronger talent pipelines and more inclusive working environments.

The Importance of Giving Back to the Community

One of the things that makes the Project Controls community valuable is the willingness of people to support one another.

The Project Connect Group London event also created an opportunity to support Sands, the baby loss charity, through voluntary donations.

It's a reminder that professional communities can have a positive impact beyond the workplace.

At PACE, we believe in paying it forward.

Whether that's helping someone prepare for an interview, offering honest career advice, connecting professionals with mentors or supporting charitable initiatives, there are many ways to contribute.

Not every interaction needs to lead to a commercial opportunity.

Sometimes, helping someone simply because you can is enough.



And when that approach becomes part of a professional community's culture, everyone benefits.

What Can Employers Do to Build Stronger Project Controls Teams?

For organisations delivering major programmes, the lessons extend beyond industry events.

Building a strong Project Controls function requires more than recruiting individuals with the right technical capabilities.

Employers should also consider how they can create environments where people feel comfortable sharing knowledge, raising concerns and collaborating across disciplines.

This could involve encouraging team members to attend industry events, supporting mentoring programmes or creating opportunities for professionals from different functions to work together.

It's also worth considering how recruitment decisions influence team dynamics.

A technically capable professional who communicates clearly, builds trust and works effectively with others can bring significant value to a project.



As programmes become increasingly complex, these interpersonal skills should not be overlooked.

Looking Ahead: Let's Keep the Conversations Going

The RPCuk Primavera Conference and Project Connect Group London demonstrate the value of bringing the Project Controls community together.

But the real opportunity is to continue those conversations beyond the events themselves.

Stay in touch with someone you met. Share something useful with a colleague. Offer guidance to someone earlier in their career. Introduce two people who could benefit from knowing one another.

These simple actions help build a more connected, knowledgeable and supportive profession.

At PACE, we're proud to support the Project Controls community and the professionals who contribute to it.

We work with organisations and individuals across rail, infrastructure, defence and energy, helping connect specialist talent with opportunities where they can make a difference.

Because successful Project Controls isn't just about delivering projects. It's also about developing people, strengthening relationships and helping the wider industry move forward.

If you're looking to develop your Project Controls career, strengthen your team or simply connect with others in the industry, we'd welcome a conversation.



Let's keep building a stronger Project Controls community together.