4. Benefits realisation phase

This phase enables the institution or team to validate the project’s impact. Monitoring the benefits helps to ensure that the long-term value of the project is captured.

The project benefits identified in the definition phase serve as the baseline for this ongoing assessment and realisation of benefits.

Using our templates and tools

Pick and choose depending on the scale of your project. We've got document templates for small and large projects.

At the end of these phases...

You've completed a handover including recommended principles for continuous improvement. You've shared lessons learned and archived documents. The sponsor knows the project is closed. Great work!

1. Benefits management plan

Document and plan the benefits realisation piece (building on your work in the definition phase), ensure clarity on how the benefits are collected and reported.

2. Lessons learned (part two)

Expand on any lessons learned. Use the same document template from the delivery phase.

3. Archive materials and documentation

Archive all documents. Update any project web pages, close down any digital resources or information platforms that are no longer needed. Make sure to follow Data Protection and GDPR guidance or rules.

Guidance on change management

While the project may have finished embedding the change into day-to day work can take time.

Use our guides and resources to help embed the change and support staff through the transition.

Embed a change

Explore the project phases

1. Identification

Ensure strategic alignment and concept approval. Define the project's 'reason for being' by establishing high-level scope, objectives, and a high level business case to assess viability. Is the project worth the time, effort and resources?

2. Definition

Plan and design the project outputs, approach and requirements. Finalise the business case, including detailed resource requirements, technical specifications and an implementation plan. This phase transitions the project from an 'idea' to 'ready-to-deliver' with a clear plan and rationale.

3. Delivery

Deliver the project and manage workstreams. Coordinate resources, manage risks/issues, and maintain stakeholder engagement to ensure outputs are delivered to the required quality and handed over to operations.

4. Benefits realisation

Measure the outcomes against the original Business Case and continue to embed the transition to Business as Usual. Ensure that the benefits are tracked and realised.