Worksheet: Set the limits for moving people and money

When budgets are fixed by unit for the year, every move becomes a head-count fight. This sheet sets what managers may move without asking and holds back a share for the year. It builds the Competent step of the check:

Managers can shift effort within agreed limits without asking, and part of the budget is held back for reallocation during the year.

Step 1. The limits

Kind of move	Limit a manager can move without asking	Above the limit, who decides	Reported where
People between teams, for up to three months
Spend between lines in their own budget
Spend between teams
Capital between projects
e.g. Spend between lines	Up to 10% of the line	Division head	Monthly report

Step 2. Hold back a share

Budget for the year	Share held back	Amount	Who releases it	When it is reviewed

Step 3. Log what moved

Date	What moved	From	To	Under the limit or decided above it	Result

Report the log each quarter. If nothing moved, the limits are too tight or nobody knows them.

A business under 50 people: agree how much time or money a manager can move without asking the owner. Keep a small sum unallocated each year and note what it was spent on.

Done when: the limits are written and known, and part of this year's budget is held back and released by a named person.

Written for this check.