Role of the senior responsible owner
Author(s): Government Project Delivery
Issued: 21 September 2025
Template
OMP SRO appointment letter
Setting the terms of appointment for SROs of OMP and other programmes and projects.
This template is the starting point for setting the terms of appointment for Senior Responsible Owners of Other Major Projects (DMP) and can be tailored for appointments to other types of non‑GMPP or non-DMP projects and programmes.
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Details
This template is for use only for Senior Responsible Owner appointments to Other Major Projects (DMP) and other non‑GMPP projects and programmes.
For SRO appointments to projects and programmes within the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP), departments must use the GMPP SRO appointment letter template.
For SRO appointments to programmes and projects that are Departmental Major Projects (DMP), departments must use the DMP SRO appointment letter template.
The terms of appointment for Senior Responsible Owners should be set out in a formal appointment letter. This template has been designed specifically for the appointment of SROs to OMP and other non‑GMPP or non-DMP projects and programmes.
This template must not be used for:
- any SRO appointments for GMPP programmes or projects
- any SRO appointments for DMP programmes or projects
- portfolio‑level appointments, as portfolios are not directed or managed by an SRO
Departments should instead use the GMPP SRO appointment letter template for all GMPP project appointments.
What the Appointment Letter Should Cover
Appointment letters should set out:
- the line of accountability for the SRO, including relationships to governance and sponsoring bodies
- the SRO’s objectives and performance criteria in delivering the project
- the point at which SRO accountability begins, expected time commitment, and duration of tenure
- any known succession planning arrangements where tenure will not cover the full life of the project
- decision rights, limits of authority, and any tolerances that must be observed
- responsibilities for governance and assurance, including any departmental requirements
- reporting and transparency requirements
- key interfaces and relationships, particularly with the business owner for the delivered project
- any expected development or additional requirements of the SRO
The appointment letter enables the SRO to consider the basis on which the project is established. The SRO should raise any concerns with the Accounting Officer before signing, confirming acceptance of the terms of appointment.
Please refer to Government Project Delivery Policy Note 01/26 for more information about the appointment of Senior Responsible Owners.
Product Information
Delivery vehicle Appraisal, Definition, Delivery, Feasibility, Operation, Programme, Project
Practice Governance, Roles & Accountabilities
Sector Digital and data, Government Transformation and Service Delivery, Infrastructure and Construction, Military Capability
Product type Tools, templates and techniques
Updates
First published
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GPD-PN 01/26: Appointing senior responsible owners in government
Author(s): Government Project Delivery
Issued: 31 March 2026