A scoping study is a key element in the development of a CoST programme. It gathers the information needed to adapt the CoST programme to the local situation and provides a baseline measure of ‘transparency’ in publicly funded construction.

If well carried out this provides valuable early messages that can feed into the design of the CoST programme, the disclosure and assurance processes and the setting up of a Multi-Stakeholder Group. This Guidance Note sets out the suggested objectives, scope of work, outputs and reporting requirements for a scoping study. Multi-Stakeholder Groups are encouraged to use the Guidance Note as a basis for developing specific terms of reference for a study to suit the local context.