Forecasting is an integral component of the management
control cycle. Although numerous bodies have noted the problems associated with inaccurate forecasting in the
NHS (see section 2a of this report), guidance on how to produce accurate forecasts has been lacking.
It is difficult to produce a standard guide for how forecasts should be prepared, because NHS organisations, and
management structures and styles, are simply too diverse. The objective of the report is to help the NHS finance
function improve the accuracy of forecasting. It is aimed primarily at finance directors and their staff, but
should also be of value to general management and non-executives.
