Template Usage by Programme Complexity

A programme is not a collection of projects; it is a system for delivering coordinated strategic outcomes and shared business benefits.

Purpose

The outcome of the Programme Complexity Assessment determines the level of governance and range of templates to be used.

Graduated Template Requirements

For light programmes (0–6 points): Only essential artefacts required — Mandate, Charter (simplified), Governance Register, Roadmap, Benefits Register, Risk & Issue Log, and closure documents. Optional artefacts (Benefits Plan, Interdependency Map, Schedule, Dashboard) may be produced if they add value.

For moderate programmes (7–12 points): All core artefacts required, including full Charter, Benefits Plan, Interdependency Map, Schedule, and Dashboard with monthly cadence. Health Report remains optional.

For high-complexity programmes (13–14 points): All templates in full detail, with fully dedicated Programme Manager, robust benefits tracking, monthly Board meetings, and comprehensive reporting including Health Report.

This graduated approach ensures governance effort is proportionate to complexity, avoiding unnecessary overhead while maintaining control and visibility.

| Template | Light | Moderate | High | |———-|——-|———-|——| | Mandate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | Charter | Simplified | ✔ | ✔ | | Governance Register | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | Roadmap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | Benefits Register | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | Benefits Plan | Optional | ✔ | ✔ | | Interdependency Map | Optional | ✔ | ✔ | | Risk & Issue Log | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | Schedule | Optional | ✔ | ✔ | | Dashboard | Optional (quarterly) | ✔ (monthly) | ✔ (monthly) | | Health Report | — | Optional | ✔ | | Benefits Report | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | Closure Report | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | Lessons Learned | Optional | ✔ | ✔ |