Close
X

Get in touch

Chapter 2 – Sponsorship

2.1. Sponsorship plan

There are a number of roles within a change programme.  The role of the sponsor is to set the strategic direction and ensure alignment of programmes and projects under their control. The sponsor also provides support and tactical guidance to the programme or project managers throughout the life of the programme, project or initiative. 

A sponsorship plan or roadmap provides a holistic view of key activities and responsibilities that the programme sponsor and key MDA leaders can focus on to drive results. The plan also aligns the sponsor and key project leaders on specific activities to support the overall project goals and change agenda. The sponsorship plan helps the project to:

  • Build support among critical stakeholders who have the potential to influence the success of the project
  • Set expectations with primary and auxiliary sponsors for their responsibilities throughout the project
  • Provide a tool to gain alignment and buy-in on proposed activities.

2.1.1. Sponsorship plan – the process

1. Identify sponsor goals and activities

  1. Identify the Project Executive Sponsor based on the scope and scale of project
  2. Assess each project phase and discuss with your project team the support and level of involvement required of the sponsor
  3. This is an iterative process and will need to be revisited and updated throughout the project’s life cycle
  4. The draft goals can be discussed and validated with the sponsor.

2. Create a sponsorship plan

Analyse the project or programme goals and other documents to better support the development of the plan.  Run a workshop to:

  1. Define the project governance structure that fits the purpose of the change initiative
  2. Define roles and responsibilities, where applicable, identify which leaders should be included in a Steering Committee
  3. Define reporting structures and meeting cadence
  4. Identify the leaders who need to be aligned to the future state vision and have the support and the resources required to lead and sponsor the change.

3. Align on sponsor activities

From the workshop output:

  1. Provide the Primary Sponsor with this plan and meet with him or her to review the details to gain buy-in
  2. Facilitate and assist the Sponsor in completing the activities in the sponsor plan. This can include but is not limited to, drafting strategic-level communication for the sponsor to send as needed.

1.Review the examples.

2.Use the template as a guide

3.Develop a Sponsorship plan

Next: