in 2019 CRL implemented a ‘Three Lines of Defence’ Integrated Assurance Framework (3LoD IAF) to provide assurance to its Executive Group that it could safely deliver the Crossrail Project on time and to budget.
This was in response to the Sponsors (TfL and DfT) general requirement for programme assurance in the Project Development Agreement (PDA) and to recommendations from the Sponsors’ Governance Review of December 2018.
The framework is further described and illustrated in this document, the Functional Strategy – Assurance which provides an overview of the Project and Programme Assurance function in the context of the 3LoD IAF framework including accountabilities, activities, interfaces and outputs.
The Assurance Framework does not encompass external audit and assurance functions but does interface and coordinate with these bodies where they engage with the Elizabeth line.
The 3LoD IAF provides integrity and compliance for programme delivery, each line of defence is independent, incrementally building assurance evidence.
The framework comprises the following elements:
- First Line (LoD 1) – Programme Delivery Controls covering both Crossrail and Rail for London (Elizabeth Line) organisations.
- Second Line (LoD 2) – Project and Programme Assurance (PPA) coordinates and integrates across all of Crossrail’s and RfL (EL) assurance.
- Third Line (LoD 3) – TfL Internal Audit and a subgroup of the Independent Investment Programme Advisory Group conducting independent audits and reviews as necessary.
