Business case preparation
a case for development
In the present economic climate it is even more important than in the past to be able to demonstrate value for money and sound decision making. Nowhere is this more important than in agreeing business cases. Whilst evaluating the capital or revenue funding for a new venture or service developments can be a lengthy and complicated process this is only a part of the requirement. The key issues are around understanding the service needs and user benefits for a new development. Vital elements are the need to ensure that all departments that will be affected have an input to the business case, and testing the viability and feasibility of each option to come up with a preferred solution. Not only service users but other stakeholders views have to be obtained and commissioner, support in the partnership working that is now so important in the NHS, is essential.
The process of completing a business case no matter how large or small requires the organisation to go through an established methodology and format which clearly, must be fully understood before embarking on the task. Public Sector Consultants can provide project managers or a multi disciplinary team assist, prepare and evaluate business cases. We have a track record of doing this on behalf of public sector organisations including the NHS.
Our consultants are qualified and experienced within their respective areas, such as project management, estates, finance, human resources and service planning. Our involvement varies according to client requirements and specifications and it can range from providing support for producing specialist sections through to Outline and Full Business Case completion, including PFI implications and any subsequent project implementation. A key element often missed is building in a post project evaluation phase to ensure that the benefits expected when the case was approved, are delivered or if not why not?
Services provided by Public Sector Consultants include:
- the production of a full timetable and checklist for project management including the production of a Project Initiation Document
- completing all of the appropriate sections of a business case including holding necessary workshops to obtain non-financial scoring of options
- advice on the business case strategic direction and methodology
- help in gaining commissioner and stakeholder support
- evaluation of business cases on behalf of commissioners and/or stakeholders
- monitoring performance and resources in relation to approved business cases
- staff training on all aspects of business case production and project management
- our experienced and skilled consultants minimise your learning curve
- consultants with varying skills and experience are available on a flexible basis as and when they are needed by you
- the client has total control and flexibility as they determine the level of our involvement and retain full ownership
- the budget can be agreed so that there are no hidden costs
- the client has no long term commitment to employing dedicated staff on the payroll
- the client has the backup and support of Public Sector Consultants, which includes our multi-disciplinary experience and support models