Assurance of Action Plans
These are reviews carried out by Programmes/Projects within six months of receiving a RED Stage Gate Assessment.
Introduction
An assurance of action plan (AAP) review must be carried out where a high-risk Gateway review results in a red Stage Gate Assessment.
Conditions
If a high-risk programme or project receives a red Stage Gate Assessment following a Gateway review, an AAP review must be undertaken within six months.
This is normally led by a member of the original Gateway team, with additional external support. AAPs are used to provide extra assurance to the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) that the recommendations of the Gateway review have been actioned and the Stage Gate Assessment has been improved.
Initiating the AAP
The Head of the Commercial Delivery Group will write to the Programme/Project SRO advising them that an AAP is to be undertaken, and that they must contact the relevant Departmental Assurance Co-Ordinator to arrange the review.
Outcome
At the end of the AAP review, a copy of the report is issued to the SRO and to the relevant Departmental Accounting Officer. The report will provide an update on the progress of the programme/project against the recommendations issued in the initial Gateway review.