Governance Assessment Template

---
title: "Project Governance Assessment Template"
methodology: "universal"
complexity: "starter"
process_group: "initiating"
industry: "financial"
role: "stakeholder"
tags: ["initiating", "stakeholder-management", "quality"]
version: "1.0.0"
owner: "mirichard"
updated: "2026-09-19"
estimated_completion_time: "15-30 minutes"
primary_principles: ["stewardship", "adaptability"]
secondary_principles: ["evidence-based-decisions"]
principle_rationale: "Assesses decision authority and governance controls against project exposure to identify missing accountability or disproportionate overhead."
---


# Project Governance Assessment Template

**Governance tiers:** Light, Standard, Rigorous.

Apply the [adaptive governance model](../../../docs/governance/governance-decision-matrix.md) to select required evidence, authorities and cadence. Tailor sample structures below to the approved charter; retain mandatory controls.

## When to Use

- When reviewing whether governance decisions, authorities, and controls fit project exposure.
- When assessment evidence can identify excessive overhead or missing accountability.

## When NOT to Use

- To claim governance effectiveness from document existence alone.
- Do not treat completed metadata or a filled checklist as evidence that the underlying work is done. See [Metadata theater](../../../docs/principles/anti-patterns.md#metadata-theater).

## Pairs Well With

- [Enterprise Risk Assessment Template](../../../domains/uncertainty/project-lifecycle/02-planning/risk-management/enterprise-risk-assessment-template.md).
- [Remediation Action Plan Template](../../../domains/measurement/project-assessment-suite/remediation-action-plan-template.md).

Selection context: Measurement domain; universal methodology; starter complexity. Match the situations above to project phase, risk, team size, and industry using the [decision-engine context model](../../../meta/architecture-research/800-801-context-assessment-model.md).

## Executive Summary
This template provides a comprehensive framework for assessing project governance effectiveness and identifying improvement opportunities.

## Assessment Overview
**Project/Program:** [Name of project or program being assessed]
**Assessment Date:** [Date of assessment]
**Assessor:** [Name and role of person conducting assessment]
**Assessment Scope:** [What aspects of governance are being evaluated]

## Governance Framework Assessment

### 1. Governance Structure
**Evaluation Criteria:**
- [ ] Clear governance hierarchy and roles
- [ ] Defined decision-making authority
- [ ] Appropriate stakeholder representation
- [ ] Regular governance meetings and reviews

**Assessment Questions:**
1. Is there a clearly defined governance structure? (Yes/No/Partial)
2. Are roles and responsibilities well documented? (Yes/No/Partial)
3. Do governance members have appropriate authority? (Yes/No/Partial)
4. Are decision-making processes clear and followed? (Yes/No/Partial)

**Current State:** [Description of existing governance structure]
**Maturity Level:** [1-5 scale] 
**Recommendations:** [Specific improvement actions]

### 2. Policy and Procedures
**Assessment Areas:**
- [ ] Policy framework completeness
- [ ] Procedure documentation quality
- [ ] Policy compliance monitoring
- [ ] Update and maintenance processes

**Scoring:** [1-5 scale for each area]
**Strengths:** [What's working well]
**Gaps:** [Areas needing improvement]
**Action Items:** [Specific recommendations]

## Assessment method and evidence

Tailor the criteria to the project before scoring. This is a lightweight internal assessment, not a certification or formal appraisal. Mark inapplicable criteria N/A with a rationale; distinguish missing evidence from poor performance.

Use a locally agreed scale: 1 = absent/ad hoc; 2 = inconsistently applied; 3 = defined and routinely applied; 4 = measured and controlled; 5 = improved using measured outcomes. Record evidence for each rating. Do not average scores with N/A or unassessed items.

| Criterion | Rating / N/A / not assessed | Dated evidence and rationale | Gap / impact | Action / owner / due date | Completion evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Criterion] | [Rating] | [Source and observation] | [Gap] | [Action / name / date] | [Observable acceptance condition] |

- **Assessment limitations:** [Sampling, unavailable information, assessor familiarity]
- **Stakeholder review:** [Reviewer / date / disputed findings]
- **Follow-up review:** [Date and accountable owner]

Related Resources:
- [Governance Tools](../role-based-toolkits/project-manager/governance-tools/)
- [Decision Authority Matrix](../role-based-toolkits/project-manager/governance-tools/decision-authority.md)