Free working template · 7 October 2026
Social infrastructure assessment scope and options template
Use this template to define the question and compare responses to an identified facility or service need. It is a planning aid, not a substitute for engineering, statutory planning, financial feasibility or specialist accessibility advice.
Download the editable worksheet (.xlsx) ↗
The Excel workbook uses the Soft Infrastructure blue and cream worksheet template, with clear section headings, blank response fields and an illustrative example for each section. Open it in Excel or other compatible spreadsheet software. A4 landscape print settings are included. No sign-up is required.
1. Purpose, catchment and facilities
- What decision will the assessment support?
- Which facilities, services, ownership types and catchments are included?
- What planning horizon and local policy context apply?
Example to adapt
Illustrative example: a council is reviewing access to community meeting space in a growing neighbourhood. The scope includes existing council and partner facilities; it does not predetermine a new building.
2. Inventory and practical access
- Record function, ownership, operating model, hours, capacity and utilisation evidence.
- Describe transport, walking connections, disability access, cost and eligibility.
- Record data source, date, confidence and information requiring verification.
Example to adapt
A facility may be nearby but unavailable after work hours or unaffordable for a local group. Record these barriers separately from distance. Distinguish straight-line estimates from measured travel routes.
3. Needs and evidence
- What demographic and service evidence informs current and future needs?
- What do users, non-users, staff and partners report?
- If benchmarks or projections are used, what are their assumptions and limitations?
Example to adapt
Low use may reflect unsuitable hours or access barriers. Test that explanation with relevant people and records before concluding that there is little demand.
4. Options matrix
- Compare service changes, access improvements, shared use, partnerships and capital investment.
- For each option, record intended benefit, affected groups, evidence and limitations.
- Identify operational implications, dependencies, specialist work and the next decision.
Example to adapt
Compare extending access to an existing room with a shared-use agreement and a new facility option. Record costing or feasibility as “not yet assessed” until reliable inputs are available.
5. Priorities and review
- Explain the rationale for immediate improvements and longer-term investigations.
- Identify owners, approvals and further technical work.
- Set a review trigger for population change, new evidence or changed service provision.
Example to adapt
A recommended next step may be an access audit or feasibility study. Do not present an investigation as an approved investment or funding commitment.
Before sharing your brief
- Replace all examples with your own context.
- Mark unknowns and distinguish proposals from approved commitments.
- Check confidentiality, data access and relevant organisational requirements.
- Agree responsibilities, outputs, timing and resources.