RHI-12 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Invest NI and SIB Collaboration

Recommendation

The leaders of the Northern Ireland Civil Service should work with Invest Northern Ireland and the Strategic Investment Board to consider how both organisations can better contribute their expertise to the work of mainstream Departments, particularly in relation to good practice on implementation of programmes and project management. This could for example include providing advice at the early stages of policy development; 'tyrekicking' and challenge; and joint training and job exchange schemes.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024), working arrangements with Invest Northern Ireland and the Strategic Investment Board are in place and operating as described in guidance, facilitating their contribution of expertise to mainstream Departments.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.finance-ni.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Northern Ireland Executive
07 Oct 2021

[Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 8-18, 24, 26-28, 32b, 34-36 together as a group under the 'Professional Skills, Resourcing, Record Keeping and Raising Concerns' themes.] NI Executive Response (October 2021): These recommendations can be accepted in full. They have been addressed in work to date through: strengthening of policy and guidance relating to project delivery; work to establish the new NICS Project Delivery Profession; accredited practitioner-level training in the Management of Risk methodology, available via NICSHR Learning & Development; amendment to the Treasury Orange Book (Risk Management); the Review of Business Case and Expenditure Approval processes; agreement by the NICS Board on the principles and procedures for use of SIB. Further work is required to: Establish the NICS Project Delivery Profession; Ensure that all Departments have in place a P3O Office, as set out in DAO 02/20; Bring forward proposals for the implementation of Portfolio Management; Implement the IPA's 'Get to Green' refresh of Gateway and wider Assurance Reviews; reform behaviours and culture to ensure a greater focus on risk management; improve the way in which departments work with Invest NI and SIB, ensuring that that partnership dovetails with Gateway and existing guidance on the obligations of the SRO; improve the reporting of risks to Ministers; develop cross-departmental collaboration and coordination through the PfG outcomes-based approach and the promotion of collaborative behaviours; ensure senior ownership of governance arrangements with third parties.

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Progress Timeline
Official Report
15 Oct 2024

NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024): Implemented. Working arrangements with Invest NI and Strategic Investment Board in place and operating as described in guidance. Previous Implemented assessment maintained.

Source
Report The Report of the Independent Public Inquiry into the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme 13 Mar 2020
Responsible Bodies
Northern Ireland Executive Primary
Recommendation age 6.0 yrs
Last formal update 525 days ago