Multi-year planning

Government projects often extend beyond a single budget year. For example, redesigning a citizen service portal might take 2-3 fiscal years from research through implementation.

Key planning elements include:

• Budget cycles: Understanding how the fiscal year affects project timing. For example, user research may be scheduled in Q1 when new funding becomes available.
• Funding commitments: Securing clear agreements for long-term support to avoid disruptions during development.
• Phase planning: Breaking the project into realistic stages, such as research in the first year and development in the second.
• Risk management: Preparing for potential budget changes by developing backup plans in case funding is reduced or delayed.

Match project phases to budget realities. If user research shows a service needs major changes, the development phase might need to wait for next year's funding.

Review plans regularly with finance teams. Early discussions help spot potential funding gaps before they affect project timelines.