Strategic commercial interventions: SMART objectives and objective bank

2. Development of Intervention Objectives

The process for identifying the Intervention Objectives which are then used to assess Value for Money (VfM) as part of the options appraisal starts with first establishing the overarching Strategic vision in terms of what SG would wish to achieve as a result of the intervention or divestment.

The HMT Green Book advises that delivery of the SMART objectives must drive the (Business Case) rest of the process across all dimensions of the Five Case Model. This essentially informs the Strategic Case within the Business Case to set the strategic rationale for intervention, which may focus on SG’s wider strategic economic strategies such as New Market Opportunities, Productive Business and Regions, Skilled Workforce, a Fairer and More Equal Society and a Culture of Delivery and the National Strategy for Economic Transformation. The Strategic Case should be developed at the outset and revisited on an ongoing basis to ensure alignment with SG’s aims which can change over time.

As part of the Socio-economic Case, and specific Intervention Objectives should be created, against which available options can be appraised. Objectives should be set as part of a scoping workshop, attended by senior officials with representation from all key stakeholders and specialists.