What is OGC Gateway TM Review?
These are short, focused reviews of a programme or project that occur at key decision points in the lifecycle. The Reviews are conducted on behalf of the programme or project's Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) by a team of experienced practitioners, independent of the Programme or Project Team.
What are the Benefits of an OGC Gateway TM Review?
The process provides assurance and support for the SRO in discharging their responsibilities. It is based on well proven techniques that lead to more effective delivery of benefits, together with more predictable costs and outcomes.
- identifying if adequate skills, business resources and experience are deployed on the programme or project;
- ascertaining if all the stakeholders fully understand the programme or project status and the issues involved;
- identifying any problems early to allow rectification (either immediately or prior to the next review);
- identifying if the risks and associated mitigation and contingency are being managed;
- indicating if the programme or project can progress to the next stage of development or implementation;
- identifying if more realistic time and cost targets can be achieved;
- identifying if a governance structure is in place and whether all those involved are clear about their roles & responsibilities;
- improving knowledge, management and delivery skills among staff through participation in Review Teams; and
- providing advice and guidance to Programme and Project Teams by fellow practitioners.
Who does it apply to?
The Scottish Government OGC Gateway TM Review applies to all organisations covered by the terms of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.
What does it apply to?
The Scottish Government uses OGC Gateway TM Review to assure the delivery of Major Projects that are assessed (using Risk Potential Assessment Forms) to be High Risk.
OGC Gateway TM Review can be used to assure the delivery of any type of project (e.g. Policy Delivery, Business Change, Relocation, Construction, ICT systems delivery).
What are the individual OGC Gateway TM Reviews?
Reviews are carried out in advance of the key decision points within a programme or project's lifecycle. The key decision points within a project and the associated Gateways are:
Business Justification - Gateway 1
- This first Project Review comes after the Strategic Business Case has been prepared. It focuses on the project's business justification prior to the key decision on approval for development proposal.
Delivery Strategy - Gateway 2
- This Review investigates the Outline Business Case and the delivery strategy before any formal approaches are made to prospective suppliers or delivery partners. The Review may be repeated in long or complex procurement situations.
Investment Decision - Gateway 3
- This review investigates the Full Business Case and the governance arrangements for the investment decision. The Review takes place before a work order is placed with a supplier and funding and resources committed.
Readiness for Service - Gateway 4
- This Review focuses on the readiness of the organisation to go live with the necessary business changes, and the arrangements for management of the operational services.
Operations Review and Benefits Realisation - Gateway 5
- This Review confirms that the desired benefits of the project are being achieved, and the business changes are operating smoothly. The Review can be repeated at regular intervals during the lifetime of the new service/facility.
There is one OGC Gateway specifically designed for Programmes:
Strategic Assessment - Gateway 0
This is a Programme-Only Review that investigates the direction and planned outcomes of the programme, together with the progress of its constituent projects. It can be repeated over the life of the programme at key decision points.
The Scottish Government applies Gateway 0 to the delivery of programmes but it can also be helpful to apply this review to non acquisition / policy delivery projects.
Further Details
More information on the Gateways can be found at the following Gateway Briefing and Guidance Note.
Further Gateway Review reference documentation can also found at the Office for Government Commerce (OGC) website.