4.7. Interim review
The interim review provides a regular opportunity to review the progress of system governance, and to tackle any issues that arise in a timely manner.
The interim review ensures that system governance remains relevant to the organisation, and that the organisation retains its interest in system governance.
The interim review is typically run once per quarter, but misses a quarter during the annual review process, giving a total of three interim reviews per year.
The organisation can increase or decrease the number of reviews, but it is recommended that at least one interim review is run between annual reviews.
The interim review is run by the system governance manager, and involves the system governance committee and the system governance sponsor.
The review is not a lengthy exercise. It is a regular opportunity to report on progress and tackle issues that may crop up.
The review provides an opportunity to fine tune criteria between annual reviews. Mostly this will involve minor changes to wording and grading. Occasionally more major requirements will crop up, such as the need for new criteria. Some judgement is required to decide what level of review and sign off is appropriate. Requirements for totally new criteria may imply a change to the objectives for system governance, which need to be agreed by the sponsor in conjunction with the IT decision makers.
Do not confuse the interim review, which takes place between annual reviews, with the iterative review which is part of the roll out (iterative) process.
Prepare interim review report
- Responsible:
- System governance manager
- Involved:
System governance sponsor System governance committee
Write a brief report summarising progress and issues, using the interim review report template as a guide.
This includes:
- A summary of assessments.
- A simple high-level analysis. See Section 3.4, Analysis.
- Issues encountered, such as criteria that are difficult to assess, requirements for new criteria, and disputed assessments, and options or recommendations for addressing the issues.
Circulate the report to the system governance sponsor and committee.
Hold interim review meeting
- Responsible:
- System governance manager
- Involved:
System governance sponsor System governance committee
Run an interim review meeting with the system governance committee.
Discuss and agree a response to any issues, including changes to system governance criteria.
Where necessary, escalate difficult or significant decisions to the sponsor.
Follow-up interim review
- Responsible:
- System governance manager
- Involved:
- none
Revise system governance criteria, and implement other system governance changes, as agreed in the review meeting. Review and sign off changes, using your organisation's usual procedures.