Building Your EPMO Charter: What It Is, Why You Need It, and What It Should Cover

Your Guide to Building an Effective EPMO Charter

Hi, Fatimah here! Welcome to the next edition of ‘The PMO Playbook’ newsletter. Each newsletter I will tackle a different area of PMO based on your questions, industry insights or opportunities I see to make a difference.

If you’re not a paid subscriber, here’s what you’ve missed so far (and I am only just getting started):

• How to set up and manage a Project Pipeline process (step by step)

• How to set up the dependency management process (step by step)

• Building Your EPMO Charter (what to include)

• Full transcript from my conversation with Atlassian’s Dominic Price

Be sure to be a subscriber to get access to these posts and all my content, I am building out 20 years of knowledge, insights and experiences to share with you!

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Now onto the next play!

Starting out in a new EPMO or picking up from where someone left off? A very useful tool, is the EPMO Charter. It has been immensely helpful for me to get everyone on the same page, early!

In this post, I will cover:

1. What is an EPMO Charter

2. Why you need an EPMO Charter

3. What an EPMO Charter should cover (so you can set one up or update one)

4. My Top Tips to get it right the first time

I’ll also share some insights on what to factor in when thinking about which projects end up under ‘PMO governance’ and what doesn’t. So leveraging my tips, why not create your very first EPMO Charter or update the one you have and let me know how you go.

Ever felt the impact of unclear project oversight and roles, prompting the need for a structured EPMO charter? Because if you are establishing or taking over an Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO), it's crucial to create the necessary structures to ensure project success. As a representative of the organisation, you achieve this effectively by establishing a comprehensive EPMO charter. This document plays a vital role in setting up an EPMO, providing clarity, consistency, and reliability for the wider teams. This article explores what an EPMO charter is, why it's necessary, and what it should cover, drawing on my experience in developing such charters for companies of all sizes.

What Is an EPMO Charter

An EPMO charter is a foundational document that defines the purpose, scope, and structure of the Enterprise Project Management Office. It acts as a guiding framework for the EPMO's operations, outlining its roles, responsibilities, and governance structures. Essentially, it is a strategic blueprint that ensures all projects align with the organisation's objectives and are managed consistently and effectively. It is the first document new joiners read when entering the EPMO or collaborating with it.

Why You Need an EPMO Charter

There are varying opinions on the necessity of an EPMO Charter. Some may argue it’s overkill, while others appreciate its value. Because we often encounter limited information when joining new companies or teams, an EPMO Charter significantly enhances clarity for both new and existing team members across the enterprise. During my tenure leading a 15-person EPMO team in a financial services company, I introduced this charter to all new starters, none of whom had encountered one previously!

Although typically established during the EPMO's inception, I recommend regular reviews—at least every three months—to ensure it remains current.

Beyond aligning your team and providing clarity, here are additional reasons to implement an EPMO Charter: