We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Advice and guidance

Scottish Public Finance Manual

Last updated
11 November 2025 - see all updates
Directorate
Financial Management Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

The Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) is issued by the Scottish Ministers to provide guidance on the proper handling and reporting of public funds.

Supporting documents

FGN 2025/04 SPFM amendment: Digital portfolio added to Major Investments

Purpose

The purpose of this note is to highlight the updates to the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) in the Major Investment projects section.

What's changed

The guidance contained within the Major Investment projects section has been expanded to include information and guidance on the Digital Portfolio.

Key changes include:

The addition of Digital Portfolio guidance within the Major investment projects section of the SPFM aims to establish clarity and shared understanding around the purpose, scope and requirements of the Digital Portfolio. The Digital Portfolio aims to ensure that digital investment is focused on realising government priority outcomes and optimal value for money across the public sector, whilst improving the Scottish public sector’s digital architecture and digital public services. This addition communicates the mandated approach to portfolio processes with the Digital Portfolio for relevant public bodies.

The additional information highlights:

  • the criteria for inclusion in the Digital Portfolio
  • links to the portfolio processes and guidelines as laid out in the Digital Scotland Service Manual
  • information on the Digital Portfolio Board
First published
3 July 2025
Last updated
11 November 2025 - show all updates

  1. Update to the Major Investment Section to remove 2 paragraphs re IIB.

  2. Further text update to Annex 2 in the Counter Fraud section

  3. Text updates to the Counter Fraud section: Fraud, Annex 1, Annex 2 and Appendix 1. Also unpublished Annex 3 and Appendix 4.

  4. Paragraph added at the start of Annex B: investment in businesses by Scottish Ministers, part of the Borrowing, lending and Investment section.

  5. Updates to the Property, acquisition, disposal and Management section in line with the SPFM Strategic Review and request to take off line FGN 2024/03 AO Spend Control

  6. Update to a link in the Major Investments section and the addition of FGN 2025/04 and FGN 2025/05.

  7. Update to Major investment section - adding in a section on Digital Portfolio.

  8. Updated links for all framework templates linked in the Accountability section.

  9. Updates include the addition of annexes A, B, C and D. Annexes in the Delegated Authority section.

  10. Update to footnote in the borrowing, lending, and investment section.

  11. Updates to wording of Annex 2 Internal control checklist for Certificates of Assurance.

  12. New FGN note added - FGN 2025/03 financial memoranda that accompany Scottish Government bills.

  13. Updates to the following sections following SPFM Strategic Review: Foreword, Accountability (and annexes), risk and subsidy Control. Also the addition of FGN 2025/02 explaining the updates

  14. Link in point 23 of Settlement, Severance, Early Retirement, Redundancy section updated.

  15. numbering in Annex 2 Internal control checklist for Certificates of Assurance updated due to a typo

  16. Updated Annex 2 Internal control checklist for Certificates of Assurance, added FGN 2025/01 re CoA checklist and added in a word version of the checklist.

  17. updated missing text in document SPFM - Non-Ministerial Offices model framework document July 2024.

  18. Adding in FGN 2024/03 re the updated AO Spend Control Template and Guidance.

  19. Updating the SRO Appointment letter in the documents section to include a point on construction projects in the Annex.

  20. Executive agencies model framework document updated.

  21. Non-Ministerial Offices model framework document updated.

  22. Updating the SRO Appointment letter in the documents section to this years dates

  23. Updated link to 'On Board: A Guide for Members of Statutory Boards' within Governance statements chapter.

  24. Updates made to model framework document templates.

  25. Updates made to text within Procurement chapter.

  26. Replaced non-ministerial office model framework document and advisory non-departmental public bodies model framework with updated versions.

  27. Document updated with an additional date - Settlement Agreement supporting documentation - final confirmation of terms

  28. Replaced Non-Ministerial Offices model framework document

  29. Updates to the Settlement, Severance, Early Retirement and Redundancy section. The main section and Annex's A, B C have all been updated along with updated documents and a Finance Guidance Note to explain the changes

  30. Updated the Certificates of Assurance chapter, Annex 2 with the CoA checklist questions for 2023/24 and added a Finance Guidance note outling the changes.

  31. Updates made to proportionate due diligence wording, Accountable Officer tests guidance, risk exposure guidance, public bodies duties, monitoring and management, exit arrangements.

  32. Procurement chapter updated.

  33. Updated 'Major investment projects' paragraph 12 and the SRO appointment letter.

Back to top