The Hillsborough Independent Panel has won the Project of the Year Award at the 2013 MCA (Management Consultancies Association) Awards held last night (18th April) at London’s Hilton Hotel Park Lane.

The Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which resulted in the deaths of 96 people, remains the most serious tragedy in UK sporting history. The independent Panel uncovered the truth of what happened and has given the families and the wider public vital information.

The winning project involved compiling and sharing thousands of documents, transcripts, videos and reports from widely different sources. Atos developed close and trusting relationships with every contributor. The project was always under intense public scrutiny and required great sensitivity and care.

The result was a report that was far-reaching and unique in its scope and content and a new template for future inquiries of this sort. Ken Sutton, director, Hillsborough Secretariat, commented: “Atos worked seamlessly and tirelessly with us. They met every challenge with creativity, finding solutions every time.”

Alan Leaman, chief executive of the MCA, said: “This year’s judges commented that the standard of projects was particularly impressive. The industry is delighted to recognise the great achievements of the Hillsborough Independent Panel on such an important issue. Congratulations to them and to Atos Consulting.”

****

The 2013 awards included two new project categories for Commercial Excellence and Social and Environmental Value, and two new individual awards for Young Consultant of the Year and Consultant of the Year. There was also a first award for the Best New Consultancy Firm.