REPORT
By Adam Boddison, OBE
Chief Executive Officer
Association for Project Management
United Kingdom
Growing our influence, strengthening our community
One of the greatest privileges of leading Association for Project Management (APM) is seeing first-hand the breadth of work taking place across our profession. Every week I meet project professionals who are delivering transformational change in sectors as diverse as defence, healthcare, construction, digital technology, transport and education. Whilst every project is unique, there is a common thread: a commitment to delivering lasting value for people and society. Over the past three months, that commitment has been reflected in APM’s own activity as we continue to strengthen the profession and extend its influence.
A key area of focus has been ensuring that the project profession has a stronger voice in conversations that shape the future, both in the UK and internationally. Through our policy engagement, research and collaboration with partners across industry, government and academia, we are championing the role that professional project delivery plays in improving productivity and supporting economic growth. As major investment programmes continue around the world, it has never been more important that decision-makers recognise project management as a strategic capability rather than simply a delivery function.
We have also continued to share practical knowledge that helps project professionals navigate an increasingly complex environment. Recent blogs and thought leadership have explored topics including sustainability, leadership, organisational culture and the importance of learning from both success and failure. These discussions remind us that successful projects are not built solely on methodologies or technology; they depend on capable people, effective relationships and environments where learning is encouraged.
Another highlight has been celebrating the contribution of our volunteers. Thousands of members generously give their time to support APM through network events, awards judging, mentoring and education outreach activities. Their expertise and enthusiasm are fundamental to all we achieve as a professional body. On behalf of everyone at APM, I want to thank each volunteer for helping create such a vibrant and supportive professional community. We recently held our Volunteers’ Forum in the UK, where we welcomed volunteers from as far afield as Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.
We have also seen continued enthusiasm for our programme of regional events and webinars. These opportunities to connect, share experiences and learn from one another remain one of the greatest aspects of APM membership. Whether attending in person or online, members consistently tell us that hearing practical experiences from fellow professionals provides invaluable insight that can be applied immediately within their own organisations.
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How to cite this work: Boddison, A. (2026). Growing our influence, strengthening our community;APM Update for PMWJ, End of June 2026, report, PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue VII, July. Available online at: https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pmwj166-Jul2026-Boddison-APM-Update-for-PMWJ.pdf
About the Author
Prof. Adam Boddison, OBE
Buckinghamshire, UK
Adam Boddison joined APM as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2021 having formally held CEO and senior executive roles in multiple educational organisations. Beyond APM, Adam has a portfolio of consultancy and volunteering supporting organisations and initiatives that benefit society.
Adam is a visiting Professor at the Stranmills University College and the University of Leicester (School of Business). He has authored several books and is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist. In 2022, Adam was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
As CEO of APM, Adam is a leading figure in the UK’s project management professional and business communities, a popular keynote speaker at major events, and a prominent voice for the project profession with the UK government and general public.
About APM
APM (Association for Project Management) is a professional membership organisation that sets the standards for the project profession and raises its profile. As a registered charity, APM delivers learning and networking opportunities, qualifications, research, resources, events and best practice guidance for the project community, helping the profession deliver better. APM is the only chartered organisation representing the project profession in the world with over 45,000 individual members and more than 470 corporate partners based across 140 countries. For more, visit https://www.apm.org.uk/
