What must the Statement of Compliance (SOC) outline?

The Statement of Compliance (SOC) is a crucial document in the context of business case development, particularly in the process of assessing and validating options. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the options presented for consideration meet the established criteria and requirements set out in earlier stages of the business case process.

The SOC serves to outline a minimum of four short-listed options that have been identified for further examination at the Outline Business Case (OBC) stage. This includes not only the options themselves but also a high-level assessment of their alignment with strategic objectives and feasibility. Presenting multiple options allows decision-makers to evaluate alternatives and ensure that they are considering a range of possibilities rather than limiting discussions to a single solution.

This approach facilitates a more thorough analysis at the OBC stage, where the implications, benefits, risks, and costs of each option can be evaluated in detail, ultimately supporting a more informed decision-making process.

The focus on short-listed options differentiates the SOC from other documentation that might address timelines, risks, or preferred recommendations, which are typically part of subsequent stages in the business case development process.