Gateway reviews for high risk programs and projects
The Gateway Reviews are a project asssurance mechanism. They involve a small team of independent experts examining a major program or project at various key decision points (gates) in its lifecycle. It provides assurance to the owner of the initiative that it is ready to progress to the next stage of its development, and provides recommendations targeted at improving outcomes.
A Gateway Review has a small project footprint considering the value it delivers. It typically involves a four day review by three or four independent reviewers. The team is chosen on the basis of their expertise in the sector, subject matter and the skills required for that particular gate.
The process entails a review of key project documentation followed by interviews with key stakeholders. All interviews are confidential and comments are non attributable. This ensures open and frank discussion and allows the review team to get a better understanding of the main issues facing the project. The review is undertaken on behalf of the project owner or SRO. The review team produce a report with findings and recommendations on the final day of the review and present it to the SRO. It is up to the SRO what actions are taken. The review team takes no further part in the project unless a subsequent Gateway Review is scheduled in which case some review team members may also take part in that review.
The Gateway process has been used in the UK since around 2000, and in Australia since 2003. It has helped hundreds of programs and projects and is a very successful project assurance process.
Ross Garland + Associates are experts on the Gateway process. They implemented Gateway successfully for both the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government and have advised the NZ and Indonesian Governments. Ross Garland is a very experienced Gateway Reviewer, having acted as a Review Team Leader or Review Team Member on numerous reviews covering sectors such as transport, roads, health, policy, business change and ICT. He has undertaken Gateway Reviews in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
Ask Ross Garland + Associates how we can support your program or project with the Gateway Review process.
Important note: A Gateway Review is not a “test” that a project passes. We do not support projects in trying to “pass” a Gateway Review as this is not in the project’s best interests.