Business case to extend a temporary contract?

helenar

Good evening all:

This maybe an unusual question but hope someone can help. I'm a new manager and work in a charity. I employed a project officer January this year and her contract will come to an end in December. I know that it is still early but looking at the departmental plan it seems that we are going to need her at least until mid next year. I had a discussion with the Director this morning and I was asked to prepare a business to extend this girl's contract for at least another six months.

The business case should have the following items:
- details of the projects that she would be working on,
- how is she contributing to the projects,
- problem if we dont extend her contract

I identified about eight major projects that she would be running and by not having her it would be a total disaster as we only have three members in our team. She's very good at what she's doing and have skills that no one else has within the department, and it would be hard to let her go. Funding is not a problem, but we still need to justify employing her.

So could anyone help me please - I don't know how to prepare for a business case and have never done this before - are there any sample or tips available somewhere? I tried to look online but couldn't find any.

Thank you kindly. Helena

PlutoinCapricorn

It sounds as if it could be just a formality, all the more as the funding is there.

Was there an official business case document for employing her in the first place? If so, it could just be updated with achievements to date and a rationals for keeping up the good work. It sounds as though you already have thought of the key factors. This might help, although it is best to tailor documents to the style of the organisation and the particular case :

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/How-to-write-a-business-case-document

helenar

PlutoinCapricorn, thank you you've given me some useful tips. Definitely will be looking at the paperwork why she was employed and her achievements. I thought I still need to ask in case I miss something, as you can tell I am not a very experienced manager! Thanks again.

PlutoinCapricorn

You might get some more tips by posting in the Small Biz and Charities board, as there are people there in your position.