At each gateway the project presents specified information and seeks approval to proceed to the next stage. The board(s) will make a decision to either:
- give approval to proceed to next stage,
- defer and specify further investigation or information be provided,
- not proceed and to close the project.
The gateway process helps ensure that all parties agree that the project remains strategically aligned and worth continued investment and effort to define, plan and deliver.
The project toolkit has guidance notes for each gateway covering the key matters to consider at each stage.
As the diagram shows, the ‘size’ of the project will be determined at project brief stage (based on an assessment of budget, duration, impact, resources and complexity). This ‘size’ will determine whether the business case needs to be approved by Strategic Change Board or just the Change Portfolio Board. It will also determine the level of project assurance.
