New Deal for Business Group - Report on Progress & Recommendations: Implementation Plan

Annex F - Programme Monitoring

This project monitoring plan outlines the implementation and monitoring strategy for the recommendations proposed by the Scottish Government's New Deal for Business Group (NDBG). The plan aims to ensure effective execution, tracking, and reporting of progress for each recommendation, considering their respective implementation timeframes of six months, one year, and eighteen months.

Objectives

The project monitoring plan has the following key objectives:

• Ensure timely and effective implementation of the New Deal for Business recommendations.
• Monitor progress of each recommendation across short-term, medium-term, and long-term timeframes.
• Facilitate transparent communication among stakeholders on progress and outcomes.
• Provide mechanisms for adaptation and adjustment in the programme in response to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Monitoring and Reporting

To monitor the progress and outcomes of the recommendations, the following mechanisms will be implemented:

• Update a Smartsheet on a fortnightly basis tracking the status of each recommendation against its respective timeframe.
• Schedule fortnightly progress review meetings with SCS lead from each sub-group reporting monthly to the New Deal for Business Group.
• Conduct bi-annual comprehensive progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and adjustments made.

Governance

NDBG

NDBG Sub-groups

NDBG SCS Leads Group (internal to SG)

Communication and Engagement

Transparent communication and engagement with relevant stakeholders are crucial components of the monitoring plan. This will include:

• Engagement with industry representatives, trade bodies, and business leaders to gather feedback on the implementation process.
• Fostering collaboration between government departments, industry partners, and regulatory bodies to ensure a unified approach and ensure cultural change.

Adaptation and Adjustments

The monitoring plan acknowledges the potential for evolving circumstances and unforeseen challenges, which means we will:

• Regularly assess the external environment for any emerging factors that might impact the implementation of recommendations.
• Maintain open lines of communication with stakeholders to promptly address issues and make necessary adjustments to timelines or strategies as needed.

Conclusion

The project monitoring plan for the Scottish Government’s New Deal for Business recommendations aims to ensure efficient implementation, comprehensive monitoring, and effective communication of progress. By adhering to the designated timeframes and maintaining flexibility, this plan will contribute to the successful realisation of the New Deal’s objectives, fostering a more favourable business environment in Scotland.

This formal project monitoring plan is subject to ongoing review and updates as necessary to ensure alignment with changing circumstances and emerging priorities.

The Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray MSP, and Dr Poonam Malik, Head of Investments, University of Strathclyde, would like to formally note their thanks to the members of the New Deal for Business Group for their time and helpful contributions to ensure delivery of actions in this Implementation report, namely:

• Liz Cameron, Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC)
• Sandy Begbie, Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE)
• Julie Ashworth, Institute of Directors (IoD)
• Sara Thiam, Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI)
• Colin Borland, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
• David Lonsdale, Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC)
• Iain Baxter, Scotland Food and Drink (SFD)
• Marc Crothall, Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA)
• Louisa Macdonell, Business in the Community Scotland (BITC)
• Mairi Spowage, Fraser of Allander
• Nathalie Agnew, Muckle Media
• Cllr Gayle Macgregor, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
• Barry White, Chair of NSET Board
• Gopalan Rajagopalan, Head of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Scotland