RACI Matrix Template

Understanding and being able to organize a team, goes a very long way to successful project delivery. When every person knows exactly what their role is in the project, then success rates skyrocket. The RACI matrix (sometimes called RACI diagram or RACI chart) was created to ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page, and working together in unison. Download this free RACI matrix template, to assist with organizing a team and work better together.
A RACI matrix is a chart that identifies and defines the roles and responsibilities of team members in relation to the tasks in a project. A RACI matrix uses the letters R, A, C, and I to categorize team responsibilities. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
The following explains each;
Responsible (R)
This is someone who is responsible for getting the work done. When labelled “responsible” in a RACI matrix, it indicates that the person is expected to be hands-on when executing the task.
Accountable (A)
This is the person who is responsible for overseeing the task and making sure the work gets done properly. They are not hands-on with the work, but instead they are managing and ensuring the completion of the work.
Consulted (C)
This person assists by providing information and support about a particular task or deliverable. They are not directly responsible for a task, but instead they provide necessary information that will help the R get their work done.
Informed (I)
This person or group of people is to be kept up to date on the progress of a task or deliverable. This is commonly upper-management or a client who should understand the progress of the project, but does not have immediate input on the completion of the work.
When used properly, a RACI Matrix is the guiding document as it keeps a project on track by clearly defining who is responsible for what. It avoids miscommunication, wasted time and confusion. The RACI matrix clearly lays out who is performing this task (R), who should weigh in on it (C), and who has final say on it (A).
How to Use the RACI Matrix Template
Step 1: List the Project Tasks
In column 1, beneath the “Project Tasks” header, list all of the tasks that will be completed as part of the project. Categorize the tasks into different project phases in order to keep things more organized. This can also be achieved by removing the project phases and completing a large task list.
Step 2: List All of the Team Members
Next, locate the light blue bar. Going from left to right, add all of the team members to this section. Include every stakeholder involved in the project, even the ones not directly involved with the project.
It is best to use the job title / role in this section, but stakeholder names are just as acceptable. Job titles are also good to use, so this document is useful for someone looking at the matrix who may not be familiar with everybody’s name.
Step 3: Assign R, A, C, I to Each Task
Locate the first task of the project, once the first task is identified, move across the matrix to the right. Decide who will be (R) Responsible for executing the work on this particular task. Remember, R is for the person who will actually be performing the work on this task.
Continue moving to the right, and next choose who will be (A) Accountable for this task. The person labelled as (A) Accountable is the person who will be responsible for ensuring that the task is done properly and in a timely manner.
Next, decide who will be (C) Consulted on this task. Remember, (C) means that a person will be asked for help or advice on a task, and they will work with the responsible team member to complete the task. In some cases, a C will not be required for a task.
Finally, for each task decide who will be informed about the task progress. This stakeholder will be labelled as (I) Informed. If someone is labelled (I) for this task, they will be updated about the progress of the task, but they will not have direct feedback going back to the person responsible for the task.
An informed person is a one way communication, as compared to a consulted person who has two-way communication about the task. Most tasks will have an informed person, however there will be some cases where there is no (I) needed.
Step 4: Share the Document
Once the RACI chart is fully filled out, it is important to share the document with all of the team members on the project. This is an important step because a RACI matrix is most helpful when each team member understands exactly what their role is at each step of the project.
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