consideration of the risks of success, e.g. take-up • or usage greater than expected and contingencies identified; and evidence of regular review of mitigation • options and contingency plans. 5.2 How will risks be managed? evidence that the to the success of the • project (e.g. take-up or usage greater or less than expected) have been considered and mitigation strategies and contingencies identified evidence of regular review of risks, mitigation • options and contingency plans details of the risk allocation (to whom allocated • and why) with high-level plans for managing risks action to manage the risks identified and, where • appropriate, action taken 5.3 Have assurance measures for the friends’ to the project (for example • ‘critical project been put in place? probity auditors, internal audit, specialists and/or peer reviewers) appointed, with evidence that they challenge assumptions, decisions and risks evidence that advice from friends’ is • ‘critical on Gateway Reviews, health-checks and/or policy • reviews incorporated into plans 5.4 Is a contingency plan and decisions about contingency and necessary • business continuity plans? business continuity arrangements made with appropriate plans; the project’s effects on public services is analysed • and decisions taken about those for which contingency arrangements will be needed; and milestones relating to contingency measures in • plans and the milestones being achieved as expected. 5.5 Have lessons from similar projects details of issues identified from previous, or • been considered? similar projects and application to the current project; and P3M3 or Agency Capability Reviews and • Capability Improvement Plans. 6. Readiness for Next Phase (Business Case) to probe Evidence expected 6.1 Affordability: Are the funds to reach budget provision for initiating project(s) and • the next phase of the project preparing the high level business case available? costings from Finance to validate estimates, • where appropriate 6.2 Are the required internal/external resource plan and sources identified showing • resources available, suitably skilled, who needs to be involved, when, and what they and committed to undertake the must deliver as well as any additional training work? needs required for their role key identified (Senior Responsible Official, • Project Steering Committee, and Project Manager) evidence that these resources will be available • when needed throughout the next phase
• consideration of the risks of success, e.g. take-up or usage greater than expected and contingencies identified; and • evidence of regular review of mitigation options and contingency plans. 5.2 How will risks be managed? • evidence that the to the success of the project (e.g. take-up or usage greater or less than expected) have been considered and mitigation strategies and contingencies identified • evidence of regular review of risks, mitigation options and contingency plans • details of the risk allocation (to whom allocated and why) with high-level plans for managing risks • action to manage the risks identified and, where appropriate, action taken 5.3 Have assurance measures for the project been put in place? • ‘critical friends’ to the project (for example probity auditors, internal audit, specialists and/or peer reviewers) appointed, with evidence that they challenge assumptions, decisions and risks • evidence that advice from ‘critical friends’ is on • Gateway Reviews, health-checks and/or policy reviews incorporated into plans 5.4 Is a contingency plan and business continuity plans? • decisions about contingency and necessary business continuity arrangements made with appropriate plans; • the project’s effects on public services is analysed and decisions taken about those for which contingency arrangements will be needed; and • milestones relating to contingency measures in plans and the milestones being achieved as expected. 5.5 Have lessons from similar projects been considered? • details of issues identified from previous, or similar projects and application to the current project; and • P3M3 or Agency Capability Reviews and Capability Improvement Plans. 6. Readiness for Next Phase (Business Case) to probe Evidence expected 6.1 Affordability: Are the funds to reach the next phase of the project available? • budget provision for initiating project(s) and preparing the high level business case • costings from Finance to validate estimates, where appropriate 6.2 Are the required internal/external resources available, suitably skilled, and committed to undertake the work? • resource plan and sources identified showing who needs to be involved, when, and what they must deliver as well as any additional training needs required for their role • key identified (Senior Responsible Official, Project Steering Committee, and Project Manager) • evidence that these resources will be available when needed throughout the next phase
A_Handbook_for_Conducting_Assurance_Reviews_FMR_7.docx