OGC publishes latest Gateway Review 'Lessons Learned' analysis

Introduced initially for IT-enabled projects following the McCartney Report, the SRO role is pivotal in ensuring that projects deliver their expected outcomes and benefits. In recognition of its importance the role is now mandated across all government departments. SROs are seen as the leaders of projects and must take personal responsibility for the successful delivery of their project.

Lessons Learned – The SRO Role in Major Government Projects provides a number of recommendations on how the effectiveness of SROs can be improved and builds on existing OGC guidance for SROs. In summary, the SRO role can be made to work more effectively by addressing a number of factors including:

• Better understanding of the role;

• Selection of the right people to act as SROs;

• Giving SROs real accountability and business authority to resolve issues;

• Ensuring SROs have relevant delivery skills and experience, including commercial awareness;

• SROs dedicating sufficient time to the role;

• Improved continuity of the role through the project life-cycle;

• Improved tools, guidance and development opportunities for SROs;

• Provision of adequate supporting resources.

Speaking about the publication, OGC Chief Executive, Nigel Smith said:
'The introduction of senior responsible owners for projects has been an important innovation in recent years. They are crucial in providing leadership to government projects and it is vital that their role is carried out well to help the public sector meet its considerable challenges.

'The recommendations highlighted in the lessons learned document build on good practice OGC has witnessed in government projects. By developing and supporting the senior responsible owners of major projects, we will help to deliver projects more successfully, ensuring value for taxpayers' money.'

The OGC has created a toolkit, available on its website, to develop capability and skills for the SRO role. Furthermore, the recommendations complement the Formula for Success guide that was launched earlier this year and highlight the benefits to be gained from treating procurement as a key component in the journey to effective project and programme delivery.

ABOUT THE SENIOR RESPONSIBLE OWNER ROLE:
The Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is the individual responsible for ensuring that a project or programme of change meets its objectives and delivers the projected benefits. They should be the owner of the overall business change that is being supported by the project. The SRO/PO should ensure that the change maintains its business focus, has clear authority and that the context, including risks, is actively managed. This individual must be senior and must take personal responsibility for successfully delivery of the project. They should be recognised as the owner throughout the organisation.

AN SRO NEEDS TO:
> take responsibility - including putting things right when they go wrong, and ensuring that recognition is given when they go right
> have a good understanding of the business issues associated with the project
> be a senior reputable figure approved by the Department/Agency Management Board, or their delegated authority to be the SRO for a project or programme
> be active, not a figurehead
> have sufficient experience and training to carry out SRO responsibilities

AN SRO MUST BE SOMEONE WHO CAN:
> broker relationships with stakeholders within and outside the project
> deploy delegated authority to ensure that the project achieves its objectives
> provide advice and guidance to the project manager(s) as necessary
> acknowledge their own skill/knowledge gaps and structure the project board and project management team accordingly
> give the time required to perform the role effectively
> negotiate well and influence people
> be aware of the broader perspective and how it affects the project
> network effectively
> be honest and frank about project progress

Related links to this article:
More information on the senior responsible owner role can be found on the OGC's website at this link

To read Lessons Learned – The SRO Role in Major Government Projects, see this link