Investment decision maker

Purpose

This is the role that commits funding for the project - for example, Principal Finance Officer. The role may be combined with the project owner role where the individual is able to take on the responsibilities of both.

Specific responsibilities

The investment decision maker is responsible for:

Ensuring that a viable and affordable business case exists for the project
Ensuring that the business case remains valid throughout the project

Skills and attributes

The investment decision maker should be able to:

Understand the financial basis of the business operation and how the project will operate within it
Understand and advise on project/programme business cases (costs v benefits)
Have the authority or seniority to allocate funds.

Notes:

The investment decision maker is involved in the project or programme when approving funds. This role may be merged with the role of SRO/PO but it is important to recognise the difference between having the authority to allocate funds and the responsibility for successful outcomes. In larger projects, HM Treasury may also be involved in the approval process.

Further information:

Successful Delivery Pocketbook