7.3 Project Organisation Structure

Figure 6 - Typical Project Organisation Structure

Investment Decision-Maker

The Investment Decision-Maker (IDM), usually an Executive Board of NHSScotland Body, decides whether to invest financial and human resources in any given project, and correspondingly will have ultimate responsibility.

They must consider whether the project fits the strategic direction of the organisation, its short and long-term affordability, and whether or not it represents the best use of resources

The IDM will be ultimately accountable for the success or failure of an investment decision and the delivery of the project.

The project is normally identified through the strategic business planning process, and the IDM will prioritise all project business cases to ensure value for money is achieved and a maximum return to the NHSScotland Body from the resources available for investment.

The IDM must demonstrate visible commitment to the project, ensuring that the project is actively promoted throughout the NHSScotland Body.

An overview must be maintained to ensure that the business case remains valid and the project objectives are achieved through appropriate organisation arrangements and reporting mechanisms.

Figure 7 - Key Responsibilities of the Investment Decision Maker

Full details of responsibilities can be obtained in the Scottish Government Construction Procurement Manual

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that a viable and affordable business case exists for the project, with the revenue impact of the project clearly identified

• Ensure that the business case remains valid

• Maintain visible and sustained commitment to the project

• Ensure that the role of project ownership is established and understood

• Define the project owner's terms of reference

• Authorise the allocation of funds to the project

• Oversee project performance through detailed project plans

• Resolve any issues that fall outside the project owner's delegated authority

• Ensure that quality design considerations are an integral part of the process of building and not marginalised or considered an option


Full details of responsibilities can be obtained in the Scottish Government Construction Procurement Manual