Before approval
A management team, board, committee or public body is due to decide on a specific paper.
Before approval, planning or funding
Review of a decision paper
P1 assesses whether a clearly defined paper provides a sufficient basis for the next decision. The review focuses on evidence, assumptions, responsibilities and unresolved issues.
Current status: P1 is being used in guided pilot and test engagements. Scope, delivery date and fee are agreed before an engagement begins.
Use
When P1 is appropriate
Before the next project phase
Planning or funding is expected to begin while assumptions, responsibilities or evidence are still unresolved.
Before a required appraisal
P1 can show whether the need, options and source material are described well enough for a specialist or economic appraisal to begin.
Result levels
The result refers to the paper reviewed
The responsible body still makes the decision.
Basis is sufficient
The paper can move to the next stage of work or decision-making.
Basis is sufficient once conditions are met
The paper can move forward once the stated conditions have been fulfilled.
Clarification is required before the decision
Important information is missing or inconsistent.
Current basis is not sufficient
The paper requires substantial revision or the decision needs to be redefined.
Process
From review subject to short report
Define the decision
We agree which paper is being reviewed, who decides and when the decision is due.
Capture information and sources
The guided session records evidence, assumptions, responsibilities and unresolved issues.
Assess the paper
We identify gaps, contradictions and the effect of unresolved issues on the decision.
Conduct an internal counter-check
A second person reviews the reasoning, result level and clarity.
Discuss the result
You receive the short report and discuss the conditions or issues with us.
Preparation: The guided session takes 90–120 minutes. Assessment time and delivery date are agreed before work begins.
Deliverables
What you receive
Short report
Result level, reasoning and implications for the upcoming decision.
Source overview
Which statements are supported, which are only described and where evidence is missing.
Prioritised issues
What should be resolved before the next step and who is responsible.
Client input
Information required at the start
Required
- the upcoming decision and its deadline
- the roles and responsibilities involved
- available source references
- known assumptions and unresolved issues
Not required yet
- complete project files
- confidential attachments before the data route is agreed
- finished plans or expert reports
- personal names where roles are sufficient
Limits
What P1 does not replace
P1 does not replace an economic appraisal, planning, legal advice, specialist review, approval or the decision itself. Technical, legal and financial statements remain subject to review by the appropriate specialists.
The review concerns the documented basis for one decision, not the project as a whole.
Contact
Could P1 fit your situation?
Briefly describe the upcoming decision and preferred timing. We will then discuss whether P1 is appropriate and what service profile can be agreed.
Enquire about P1