Methodology
How projects are prepared, classified and evidenced
Two ladders govern everything published here. Readiness records how far a project has been prepared. Data confidence records how well evidenced each individual figure is. Neither is decorative.
Data Confidence
Seven levels, applied to every figure
A reader should never have to guess whether a number is measured, modelled or aspirational. The level says which.
Confirmed against a named primary source held on file. The figure may be relied upon as stated.
Produced by a completed study and reviewed independently. Accurate within the tolerance the study states.
An early order-of-magnitude figure, subject to feasibility work. Not a budget and not a commitment.
A planning objective adopted for the program. It describes intent, not an achieved or committed result.
A modelled scenario shown to explain a mechanism. The values are illustrative and are not a forecast.
Work is in progress and no defensible figure exists yet. Deliberately shown without a number.
An identified opportunity described at concept level only. No study has yet been commissioned.
Two rules follow from this. First, a figure published without a confidence level is a defect, and is treated as one. Second, where no defensible figure exists, the platform prints the confidence level instead of a number — an “under study” is more useful to a diligence team than a placeholder that reads as a budget.
Readiness
Eleven steps, each with its evidence
A project is recorded at a step only when the evidence for that step exists and is on file. Presentation quality is never a reason to advance one.
Opportunity Identified
A development need has been recorded and attributed to a sector.
Evidence required
A written statement of the need and its origin.
Initial Screening
The opportunity has been screened for strategic fit and obvious blockers.
Evidence required
A completed screening note against the national priorities.
Concept Development
A concept describes the intervention, its beneficiaries and its components.
Evidence required
A concept note setting out scope, location and intended outcome.
Pre-Feasibility
Technical and commercial viability have been tested at order-of-magnitude level.
Evidence required
A pre-feasibility study with an indicative cost range.
Feasibility
Full feasibility confirms the technical, financial and environmental case.
Evidence required
A completed feasibility study and environmental and social screening.
Engineering & Approvals
Design is advanced and statutory approvals are being obtained.
Evidence required
Preliminary engineering design and a live approvals register.
Commercial Structuring
Delivery model, ownership and risk allocation are being settled.
Evidence required
A commercial structure paper and draft risk allocation matrix.
Financing
The project is being matched with suitable public, private or development capital.
Evidence required
A financing plan and a documented investor engagement record.
Investment Ready
Preparation is complete and the opportunity can be taken to market.
Evidence required
A complete investment passport and a populated data room.
Delivery / Construction
Procurement has concluded and implementation is under way.
Evidence required
An executed contract and a live delivery reporting line.
Operational
The asset or service is in operation and being measured.
Evidence required
Commissioning certificate and reported operating performance.