Setting up the project

Confirm project scope, approach and requirements

Start by looking at the benefits your organisation expects to achieve from investment in the project.

Then, use the general principles in GPO’s Workplace Design Guidelines to guide the design approach and confirm high level requirements.

Workplace design

GPO can provide a space budget tool for mandated agencies which uses simple information such as headcount to estimate the:

• total space needed
• number of amenities and facilities required

Use this early to inform your project scope and high-level requirements for briefing architects or designers.

Contact GPO to request the space budget tool:

Email us

Secure leadership support

Commitment from senior leadership is essential for your project’s success. Engage with key leaders early so they can:

• endorse the project mandate
•  provide direction at key stages
• support communication and change activities

Establish project governance early

Create a governance structure that is appropriate for the project’s size and complexity and include key agency stakeholders. In some cases, it might be appropriate to include representation from another agency who’s successfully delivered a similar project or a GPO representative.

Create terms of reference for the governance group that explain:

• how and when project documentation will be reviewed
• who makes the final decisions
• how issues will be escalated and when
• reporting and approval steps at each milestone

Set up regular meetings and/or reporting to ensure visibility of project risks, finances and progress.