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RACI Matrix

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The RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment chart that maps out task, milestone and key decision involved in completing a project. It assigns which roles are Responsible for each action item, which personnel are Accountable, and, where appropriate, who needs to be Consulted or Informed on tasks.

What is it?

The RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment chart that maps out every task, milestone or key decision involved in completing a project throughout the different phases. It assigns which roles are Responsible for each action item, which personnel are Accountable, and, where appropriate, who needs to be Consulted or Informed on tasks.

Responsible
A role that is “Responsible” for completing the task or deliverable.

Accountable
A role that is “Accountable” has the final authority or accountability for the task’s completion.

Consulted
A role that is “Consulted” is an adviser to a task. Advisers should be considered carefully as too many people in this role can stretch the task time and raise the risk of poor performance. 

Informed
A role that is “Informed” is kept up to date on task completion. Charting this role helps to illustrate dependencies and also ensures that transparency into task status exists. Identifying those who require status updates can be complex, so it is worthwhile to take the time to consult various roles to determine if they need to know when a task is completed.

What does this tool look like?
Example RACI matrix
Why use this tool?

The RACI matrix is a project management tool that visually displays different roles for each member involved in a project and the different level of involvement from each role on the different tasks.

This tool should be created in collaboration with your Project Board and Project Team.

It is not a set piece but a ever changing and developing tool and should be updated throughout your project.

The tool is a great way of displaying clear roles and responsibilities eliminating confusion that may come up through the life of your project.

RACI places equal weighting to each role and encourages communication between roles which will aid to smooth running of your project.

Where does this tool fit in the improvement journey?
Project Management and Communications Icon

 

It is relevant to this theme that supports your journey.

The Quality Improvement Journey
How to use it

There are 5 key steps to using a RACI Matrix.

  1. Identify the Project roles, those that are undertaking different aspects relating to the project. 
  2. Identify the project tasks/deliverables within the different phases of your project..
  3. Assign RACI to each role and task.
  4. Agreement from your team and key stakeholders that the assigned RACI are correct. This makes it clear for all involved when and how they are involved in the project.
  5. Keep your RACI Matrix up to date, as things change in your project make sure your matrix is update to reflect this and revisit step 1-4 regularly when having project meetings and stakeholder updates.
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