For complex proposals involving substantial implementation steps, the Ministry should prepare a 1-2 page summary implementation plan, using the standard format in annex 2. The purpose of this requirement is to demonstrate to the Cabinet that the Ministry has analyzed the steps necessary to implement the proposal, that the proposal is technically feasible and that the proposed timetable is realistic.

Ministries should consult the Cabinet Office if they are uncertain whether a specific proposal requires an implementation plan to be attached to the submission.

The plan should identify those implementation steps that depend on other Ministries or external stakeholders, as well as highlighting any implementation steps that have a high risk of not being completed on time.

Ministries are advised to provide accurate estimates for the time required for each step. If the recommendations in the submission are approved by the Cabinet, then the submitted plan will form the basis of subsequent monitoring of the Ministry’s implementation performance (see section 10).

Similarly, it is in the interests of the Ministry to highlight any specific risks, especially risks involving other agencies or outside stakeholders. Highlighting such risks at this stage enables the Cabinet to take early steps to ensure the cooperation of other agencies or take other steps to manage the risks. Failure to identify key risks in the summary plan will make it harder for the Ministry to avoid criticism if implementation does not go to plan.

The implementation plan should be attached to the draft submission when sent to the Cabinet Office (see section 6.1) and the final submission (see section 7.1).