Project Risk and Impact Assessment

The project category indicates what approval and monitoring the project is likely to require.   Completing the Risk & Impact Assessment section of the Gateway 2 template will provide the following information, on the basis of which a simple assessment matrix can be used to identify the project category:

• Estimated resource requirement
• Proposed funding source(s)
• Involvement of partner organisations / stakeholders
• Timescale
• Links & dependencies
• High level risk review

The Project Risk and Impact Assessment Matrix attached here is based on a tool developed by Sheffield City Council.  It is very similar to the matrix developed by the Change & Improvement Team during 2008 and subsequently used by the E&R Programme Office. 

Download the Project Risk and Impact Assessment template

Note that this matrix is provided as a starting point only, and may need to be tailored to the needs of different programmes.  For example, in large capital programmes, the thresholds for cost and timescale might be need to be increased significantly; whereas for other programmes, they may need to be reduced, or other evaluation criteria included. For further information, contact your Directorate Programme Manager.

Suggested project categories relating to the risk and impact assessment score are as follows:

Project Risk and Impact Score	Suggested Project Category
100+	A
50-99	B
25-49	C
0-24	D

Remember that this is all about identifying the right level of approvals and monitoring for the project, so it will always be necessary to apply an element of common sense alongside the risk and impact assessment score.  Your Directorate Programme Manager will be able to advise, and will make the final decision on the project category.

• Category A projects (high risk, high cost, high impact) require a project board and will be monitored by the Project Review Group (in addition to the Programme Board).  Theme Boards may also be involved in gateway approvals.
• Category B projects will also be monitored by the Project Review Group, but do not require a separate project board.
• Category C projects will be approved and monitored by the Programme Board only
• Category D projects will be approved by the Programme Board, but ongoing monitoring will be by divisional management teams (as part of “business as usual” delivery, such as the Local Transport Plan investment programme), with reporting to the Programme Board by exception only.