Toolkit
Government project delivery assurance framework
The independent assurance reviews of major government projects.
The Government Project Assurance Framework provides you with everything you need to arrange and complete an assurance review of a project, programme or portfolio.
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Details
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority arranges and manages independent assurance reviews of major government projects each year.
These reviews are mainly for the central government’s most complex and high risk projects in the Government Major Projects Portfolio though can be used by other projects and programmes. The assurance framework also now includes an approach to the review of portfolios and portfolio management.
Assurance is an essential part of successful project delivery. The reviews:
- are often required for formal HM Treasury approvals (Treasury Approval Points) and Major Project Review Group or business case approval points
- provide support and constructive challenge to senior responsible owners
You should use these documents if you’re doing an IPA review. You can also use these documents if you’re doing a non-IPA review, for example, any other government review or a medium risk review.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our independent assurance reviewers, refer to the guidance on how to become an assurance reviewer.
For any queries about assurance, email [email protected] or contact us.
How to use this collection
This collection contains:
- general guidance which may apply to all types of review
- guidance on how to undertake an assurance review
- guidance and templates for specific types of project and programme review
- guidance and templates for portfolio reviews
General guidance
You may need these documents for all types of review. The documents will also help you understand what type of review or assurance my be suitable for your project or programme.
Guide: assurance and approvals for major digital and data programmes
Provides advice on using assurance and approval approaches to review digital and data projects and programmes effectively.
Guidance | 27 October 2024 |
Risk potential assessment form
Use the risk potential assessment form to initiate a project validation review, a project assessment review or an assurance review.
Template | 5 November 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Assurance of benefits realisation in major projects
Guidance for departments and review teams on best practice in benefits management for the assurance review process.
Guidance | 5 November 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Choosing an Infrastructure and Projects Authority review
Guidance to help project teams decide which assurance reviews to include in their integrated assurance and approvals plan.
Guidance | 3 June 2011 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Implementing integrated assurance for major projects
Guidance for departments on integrated assurance and approval plans and integrated assurance strategies.
Guidance | 3 June 2011 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
How to undertake an assurance review
These documents are designed to assist review team members, programme and project managers / directors and senior responsible owners. This section contains supporting guidance outlining the approach leading up to and during an assurance review and supporting documents intended to assist in administrating a review.
This note provides the Review Team with key information about their role in a forthcoming assurance review (the Review) and outlines responsibilities and actions needed to enable full participation in a successful review. It acts as a reminder of the key points that were covered in the assurance reviewer training.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Programme team and senior responsible owners: briefing note
This note provides the Senior Responsible Owner and Programme/ Project Manager with key information about their role in a forthcoming assurance review and outlines responsibilities and actions needed to enable full participation in a successful review.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Assurance review: administration
These documents are designed to support the Review Team, Programme/Project managers and Senior Responsible Owners in general administration leading up to and during the Assurance Review.
Guidance and templates | 13 October 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Guidance and templates for specific types of project and programme review
The right type of review needs to be used depending on whether it is a programme or the stage a project is at.
Assurance of action plan guidance and templates
Guidance on how to complete and assurance of action plan review and an assurance of action plan template.
Guidance and templates | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Project assurance review guidance and templates
Guidance on preparing and assurance review reportin and and assurance review report template.
Guidance and templates | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Gate Review 0: Strategic Assessment
How to complete a Gate Review 0 for programmes.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Gate Review 1: Business Justification
How to complete a Gate Review 1 for a project.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Gate Review 2: Delivery Strategy
How to complete a Gate Review 2 for a project.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Gate Review 3: Investment Decision
How to complete a Gate Review 3 for a project.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Gate Review 4: Readiness for Service
How to complete a Gate Review 4 for a project.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Gate Review 5: Operations Review and Benefits Realisation
How to complete a Gate Review 5 for a project.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Guidance and templates for portfolio reviews
The guidance and templates below are for the assurance of departmental portfolios and portfolio management. They may be tailored for sub-portfolios or portfolios in arm’s length bodies.
Assurance Workbook: Portfolios and Portfolio Management
This workbook guides you through the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s approach to assuring portfolios.
Guidance | 15 July 2021 | This link takes you to GOV.UK
Portfolio interview briefing document
A template that can be used to explain the portfolio review process to those who will be interviewed.
Template | 15 July 2021
Portfolio review terms of reference template
A template terms of reference for a portfolio review.
Template | 15 July 2021
Portfolio assurance report template
A template report for portfolio reviews.
Template | 15 July 2021
Typical schedule for a 5 day portfolio review
An overview of the typical schedule of a portfoli review over 5 days.
Guidance | 15 July 2021
Portfolio review planning meeting template
A template that can be used to set the agenda for a portfolio review planning meeting.
Template | 15 July 2021
Portfolio assurance review assessment meeting agenda template
A template that can be used to set the agenda for a portfolio review assessment meeting.
Template | 15 July 2021
Assurance Bulletins
Published periodically to support reviewers the delivery of assurance reviews with timely information.
Requirement for IPA reviews to address Accounting Officer Assessments
Bulletin | 29 September 2023
Stage gate assessments – clarity of determination
Bulletin | 17 October 2023
Transforming Public Procurement, effective from 01 October 2024.
Bulletin | 10 April 2024
Product Information
Collection Government project delivery assurance framework
Delivery vehicle Portfolio, Programme, Project
Practice Assurance, Governance
Product type Tools, templates and techniques, Workbooks and guides