In October 2023 we ran our training session on ‘preparing a business case’ focusing on the foundations of a business case and a deep dive into stakeholder management and engagement and benefits management. Following our successful workshops at the Bridging the Gap event in March, we wanted to ensure that we had the opportunity to provide Dorset colleagues with similar training. It was great to see people from a range of roles, considering what they need to make a compelling case for change.
What is a business case?
A business case sets out the justification for a proposed project. It forms part of a project initiation documentation or PID which you might hear it be referred to.
Why are they important?
They’re important because:
- They document many key considerations when developing and approving a change or innovation project.
- Gives stakeholders confidence that the project is worthwhile and aligns with overall strategic objectives.
What do they cover?
- Why do you need to deliver change in this area?
- What the drivers for change – is there national, regional, or local strategy or policy in this area?
- Understand where you are now and where you want to be, considering the needs of the organisation, workforce, and service users.
- Reviewing the evidence and best practice that is out there, for this discipline or area of need.
- Consider all the options that are available for delivery of the project and confirm which delivers the most value for money.
- Identifies the risks, assumptions, dependencies, issues with your current state, or within the change that you are looking.
- Provides a baseline against which the benefits will be measured.
- Confirm your procurement approach.
- Confirm the cost of your project.
- Sets out who your stakeholders are, and how you will engage with them.
- Confirms the roles and responsibilities of the project team and the governance arrangements for the project.
Why are people so important?
People are essential in change, whether you are implementing a new product or new service into a pathway. You need to ensure that you identify stakeholders and engage stakeholders to understand and support how they can influence, support, and in some cases hinder progress. The benefit of involving stakeholders is:
- Gain insights that you would not otherwise have
- Manage potential conflict early – minimise delays
- Increases likelihood of success & sustainability
Why do we need to consider benefits?
A benefit is a measurable improvement resulting from an outcome impacting on a stakeholder or stakeholder group. Whilst it is important to consider the impact of any project on the service users, you should also consider how it impacts on family and carers, direct clinical services, other organisational services and outside of the organisation. It is also essential to consider the dis-benefits or negative impacts of delivering the project. With all benefits you need to be able to measure them, either quantitatively or qualitatively.
We are in the process of developing further business case training, alongside PM lite and the Dorset Innovation Hub Fundamentals of Innovation Training. If you need any support writing a Project Initiation Document or Business case please contact inward.investment@nhsdorset.nhs.uk if you are interested in other training, please look at the Dorset Innovation Hub website or contact dorsetinnovationhub@uhd.nhs.uk
Katherine Misun
Inward Investment Manager – NHS Dorset
