360° Project Screening and Appraisal Tool

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About

The 360° Project Screening and Appraisal Tool has been developed to support the screening and analytical evaluation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. Designed to facilitate informed decision-making from the earliest stages of project development, the tool is structured around three critical appraisal phases.

At this initial stage, the tool focuses on rapid, critical screening to determine if a project warrants further assessment. It employs a set of key Yes/No questions that address fundamental criteria such as:

Strategic Alignment: Ensuring the project supports key national, state, or local priorities.
Critical Need: Confirming that the project addresses an identified infrastructure or service gap.
Environmental & Social Impact: Determining whether the project is likely to be net positive for people and the environment, and do no harm.
Political Support and Market Demand: Evaluating stakeholder backing and market interest.
Clear Project Outputs: Verifying that the project’s outputs are defined in measurable terms.

This stage provides decision-makers with a swift mechanism to filter out projects that do not meet essential public value criteria.

For projects that pass the initial screening, the tool moves into the Concept Note/Pre-Feasibility stage. Here, the assessment is more detailed and is organised around the UK Five Case Model:

Strategic Case: A refined analysis of how the project aligns with development priorities and policy objectives.
Socio-Economic and Sustainability Case: In-depth evaluation of anticipated socio-economic and environmental/climate risks and benefits, including quantitative assessments and distributional impacts.
Commercial Case: Examination of market demand, revenue streams, and the potential for private sector engagement.
Financial Case: Detailed financial modeling that incorporates cost estimates, funding structures, and risk assessments.
Management Case: An appraisal of institutional capacity, governance structures, and risk mitigation strategies.

This stage not only confirms the project’s viability but also starts shaping the project preparation process by identifying key areas for further development.

In the final stage, the tool facilitates a comprehensive evaluation through full feasibility studies. The analysis becomes even more granular and is again structured around the UK Five Case Model, with progressive, detailed questions that validate and build upon earlier assessments:

Strategic Case: Further verification of policy alignment and strategic relevance, with robust evidence and references.
Socio-Economic and Sustainability Case: Detailed quantification of benefits, robust scenarios, and sensitivity analyses to test economic resilience and E&S risks and benefits.
Commercial Case: A thorough assessment of the project’s competitive advantage, risk allocation, and market positioning.
Financial Case: Extensive financial modeling with validated assumptions, lifecycle cost assessments, and sensitivity tests.
Management Case: An evaluation of project governance, capacity-building plans, and risk management frameworks.

At this stage, the tool transforms into an analytical guide that not only appraises the project’s overall viability but also helps to refine the project preparation, ensuring that all aspects are well-documented and aligned with best practices.

This stage provides decision-makers with a swift mechanism to filter out projects that do not meet essential public value criteria.

Who is this tool for?

Government officials and policymakers require a comprehensive evaluation of PPP projects to ensure they align with strategic public objectives and address critical infrastructure or service gaps. While strategic alignment and public value are key, these stakeholders are also interested in the project’s economic, financial, commercial, socio-economic and E&S risk and sustainability and management aspects. The 360° Project Screening and Assessment Tool offers an integrated framework that provides the full spectrum of analysis necessary for informed decision-making.

PPP specialists and project analysts need to assess projects across all evaluation dimensions – from strategic to management – to develop robust and actionable proposals. Although their focus may lean toward operational and financial feasibility, they require a holistic view that encompasses economic viability, commercial attractiveness, and overall governance. The tool facilitates a methodical, multi-dimensional evaluation that supports every stage of project preparation.

Lenders and institutional investors prioritise financial viability and risk management, yet their decision-making also hinges on understanding a project’s strategic fit, economic benefits, E&S risk and sustainability and management capacity. The 360° Project Appraisal Tool delivers a comprehensive analysis that integrates all these aspects, enabling investors to confidently assess a project’s viability and potential for sustainable returns.

Private sector partners are primarily interested in the commercial prospects and financial returns of a project. But they also value insights into the project’s strategic alignment, economic impact, and governance structure. By using the 360° Project Appraisal Tool, private sector stakeholders can review all facets of a project, ensuring it meets investment criteria including E&S risk and sustainability and broader public objectives.

Consultants and advisory professionals require an all-encompassing, evidence-based approach to project appraisal to provide actionable recommendations. Their focus may vary—from strategic and economic considerations to financial structuring and risk management and sustainable investing —but they benefit from a tool that delivers a complete analysis. The 360° Project Screening and Assessment Tool offers a structured, holistic framework that underpins rigorous evaluation and supports the development of robust, data-driven project proposals.

Tool Name – Version Number

25/08/2025

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