Options Appraisal

Douglas has substantial experience of leading the appraisal of strategic and capital options, using the authoritative ‘Green Book’ guidance provided by the Treasury in ways which are appropriate and sensitive to the issues.

In work for government departments and executive agencies Douglas led Deloitte’s review of the case, and possible options for organisational vehicles, for a transport authority for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, using interviews, focus groups and web-based questionnaire to consult stakeholders and benchmarking on transport authorities in other countries as well as cognate agencies in the UK. Since creating this practice Douglas successfully completed a major options appraisal for a £45m renewal project for one of the ‘cultural nationals’ in Scotland. The report of the appraisal subsequently helped the organisation to achieve a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Douglas has just completed a very sensitive appraisal of options for the location and accommodation of a new national cultural body.

Options appraisals for local authorities have included appraisals of options to outsource and operate appropriate council services, and have led to assignments to manage the creation of leisure trusts in two Councils.

Douglas has successfully completed many options appraisals of strategy, location and estates developments for tertiary education institutions, including appraisals of options for:

• the location of the 32 units within a major Faculty of Medicine at a Scottish University;
• strategic alliance between a University and a large College (including other HEIs);
• locations and scoping of a new campus for a University College;
• locations and scoping of a rationalised campus for a dispersed College; and
• the creation of a new City Centre Campus for a University College in Wales.