Charter

A charter helps define a standard approach to organizing special projects and teams. It is a formal document approved by leadership that describes and bounds the scope of a project or change team that require time and resources of the organization.

Charters are important because they provide focus and direction that:

• Assures leadership and change teams are aligned
• Clearly communicates what work is to be performed by a specific team
• Defines project scope, major activities and expected results
• Aids in team design and the selection of participants
• Clarifies roles and responsibilities
• Aids in communicating purpose of the team to the organization

Critical to moving a project or team forward, a Charter should be:

• Developed by the project team
• Validated with the Sponsor
• Approved by the Executive Steering Committee / Leadership
• Actioned by the Project Team with support from Sponsor

Following a standard template and limited to one to two pages, major elements of a charter should include: Scope, objectives, team members, sponsor, activities and schedule.