Cora Systems has announced that the National Trust has selected its project portfolio management platform to support and standardise project delivery across the organisation. Founded in 1895, the National Trust is Europe’s largest conservation charity, protecting historic buildings, coastlines and natural spaces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The decision follows a two-year evaluation in which the charity assessed a number of shortlisted PPM providers. Cora was chosen to improve decision-making and bring greater consistency to how projects are planned, tracked and delivered.
Managing conservation at national scale
The National Trust cares for 250,000 hectares of land and 780 miles of coastline. With annual income exceeding £766 million and 25.9 million visitors in 2024–25, it oversees a substantial and complex portfolio of projects. In the same financial year, £178 million was dedicated to conserving historic buildings and collections.
Its work spans building restoration, habitat creation, accessibility upgrades and visitor facility improvements. Coordinating activity across thousands of volunteers, more than 8,700 staff and hundreds of geographically dispersed properties demands robust oversight and clear governance.
A National Trust spokesperson said the organisation aims to enhance decision-making and drive continuous improvement in project delivery to ensure long-term value in support of its conservation mission.
A single platform for planning and oversight
The Cora platform will consolidate project data, documentation and processes into one system, providing real-time visibility across the portfolio. It supports scheduling, financial management, resource planning and risk tracking.
For a charity operating across a diverse estate, from small nature reserves to major country houses, the move is intended to replace fragmented tools and processes with a consistent approach. Senior leaders will gain clearer insight into performance, emerging risks and resource pressures, supporting more informed investment decisions.
Supporting a new strategic chapter
The partnership aligns with the National Trust’s 130th anniversary in 2025 and its new strategy for the coming decade, which focuses on restoring nature, expanding access and deepening public engagement.
The organisation is also managing rising costs and has announced plans to reduce its workforce by around 6% as part of wider financial adjustments. In this context, improving efficiency and maximising the impact of every pound spent on conservation is a clear priority.
Cora’s enterprise experience
Founded in 1999, Cora Systems supports organisations in more than 50 countries, with customers managing projects valued at over $100 billion. Its client base spans manufacturing, aerospace and defence, life sciences, government and energy.
Adrian Morrissey, Chief Revenue Officer at Cora Systems, said the partnership supports both operational improvement and organisational purpose, enabling greater visibility, consistency and confidence in project delivery.
The rollout will bring National Trust project teams onto a shared platform, with dashboards providing insight into status, resource use and financial performance. As the charity continues to restore historic buildings, create wildlife habitats and enhance visitor experiences, a coordinated portfolio approach will be central to delivering impact at scale.
