What is it?
A RASCI matrix is a visual tool that helps to clarifies project team roles and responsibilities.
For each workstream, task or activity it identifies who is:
- Responsible – the person responsible for completing the task
- Accountable – the person who ultimately owns the success of the task and is answerable for its completion
- Support – the person who provides resources and support to the Responsible person
- Consulted – subject matter experts whose input is needed to complete the task
- Informed – people who need to be kept updated but who are not involved in decision-making
A RASCI matrix is especially helpful if your project is large or complex, where many different services or functions are involved, or if you are collaborating with external partners to help ensure clear ownership.
When should it be used?
You may wish to create a RASCI matrix once your multi-disciplinary change team and your project leadership have been identified, this will usually be early in the change cycle during the identify or understand steps.
A RASCI matrix is a “live” document, and you should review and update it throughout the project to ensure it reflects any changes to the people involved in your project.
What are the benefits of using it and why use this tool?
A RASCI matrix help to support process rigour throughout a project by:
- providing clarity – creating shared understanding so everyone knows exactly what is expected of them (R, A, S, C, I), reducing ambiguity
- enhancing accountability – clearly identifying the single person (Accountable) ultimately answerable for each task’s or activity’s success, reducing the risk of tasks or activities not being completed
- supporting communication – clearly identifying who needs to provide input (Consulted) and who needs updates (Informed), this can help prevent bottlenecks or unnecessary meetings
- supporting management of the team’s capacity – helping to identify if team members are overloaded by showing how many responsibilities they have
- supporting stakeholder buy-in – ensuring people are involved appropriately