This is a FREE RACI Template in Excel which you can download now in Excel, PDF or as an OpenDocument Spreadsheet. RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed, it isn't clear who invented it, as of April 2024 the first few Google search results attribute it to three different people, but it is generally agreed that it grew out of management and project management theory developed from the 1950 to 1960s. Learn more about RACI.

RACI is a simple widely recognized tool for defining roles and responsibilities. Each task or activity is listed and those who are either Responsible, Accountable, Consulted or Informed are identified for each task. stakeholdermap.com

By downloading this template you can define the roles and responsbilities on your project, helping to ensure a successful delivery!

This is a FREE RACI Template in Excel and PDF. The template is fully editable with Excel and can be edited to suit your requirements. See what is in the Template! Check out the a contents.

Check out the contents below or Grab the template now!

6 tips for creating your RACI

1. Start with Clear Objectives: Define what you aim to achieve with your project. Clear objectives ensure that tasks are relevant and aligned with your goals.

2. Involve the Team: Engage with everyone who will be part of the RACI chart. This inclusion fosters a sense of ownership and acceptance of the defined roles and responsibilities.

3. Define Tasks Clearly: Ambiguity is the enemy of productivity. Ensure each task is clearly defined so that everyone knows what is expected.

4. Limit the Number of "R"s: While it might be tempting to assign multiple people as responsible to spread the workload, this can lead to confusion. Ideally, have one person responsible for each task to ensure accountability.

5. Use "A" Sparingly: Having too many people accountable can dilute responsibility. Ensure there is only one accountable person per task to maintain clarity in decision-making.

6. Regular Reviews: Circumstances change, and so will your project’s needs. Regularly review the RACI chart with your team to make adjustments as necessary.

7. Insufficient Communication: A common oversight is failing to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the matrix, understand their roles and responsibilities, and know how to use the matrix in their day-to-day work. Regularly referring to the RACI matrix in meetings, ensuring it's accessible, and training team members on its use can mitigate this issue.

How to share and integrate your RACI into your business or project

1. Use a Centralized Digital Platform

• Description: Use a centralized digital platform like an intranet, a project management tool (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira), or a shared cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, SharePoint, Dropbox) where the RACI matrix can be stored and easily accessed by all team members.
• Benefits: Real-time updates, accessibility from anywhere, and version control to ensure everyone is looking at the latest version.

2. Integrate the RACI into your Project Management Software

• Description: Many project management tools allow for the creation of custom fields or the integration of documents directly into the project workflow. Embedding the RACI matrix within these tools can link responsibilities directly to tasks.
• Benefits: Direct association of roles with tasks, reminders, and notifications based on updates, enhancing visibility and accountability.

3. Include the RACI in your onboarding and training

• Description: Include the RACI matrix in the onboarding documentation for new team members or stakeholders to acquaint them with project roles and expectations from the start.
• Benefits: Sets clear expectations for new members, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and those of their colleagues.

4. Regular Updates and Communication

• Description: Schedule regular updates to the RACI matrix and communicate these updates through email newsletters, team meetings, or dedicated communication channels like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
• Benefits: Keeps everyone informed of any changes, ensuring that the matrix remains relevant and accurate over the course of the project.

5. Feedback Loop

• Description: Establish a feedback loop where team members can suggest updates or express concerns about the RACI matrix. This can be facilitated through surveys, suggestion boxes, or regular review meetings.
• Benefits: Encourages engagement with the matrix, allows for continuous improvement, and ensures it meets the team's needs.

6. Visual Displays

• Description: In addition to digital access, consider displaying the RACI matrix in common areas (for physical offices) or as a permanent fixture in virtual meeting rooms.
• Benefits: Keeps roles and responsibilities top of mind, reinforcing the structure in day-to-day activities.

By utilizing these channels and methods, you can ensure that the RACI matrix becomes an integral part of your project management process, accessible and understandable to all stakeholders involved.

How to include a RACI in your project management software

Integrating the RACI matrix into project management software can streamline workflows, clarify responsibilities, and enhance overall project communication. Here are several practical examples of how you can achieve this integration across different types of project management tools:

1. Asana

• Custom Fields: Use Asana's custom fields feature to add a RACI category to each task. You can create fields for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, and assign them to team members. This way, whenever a task is selected, the RACI roles are visible to all.
• Project Templates: Create project templates that include pre-defined tasks with RACI roles already assigned. This is particularly useful for repetitive projects or processes.

2. Trello

• Labels and Cards: Utilize Trello's labels for RACI categories and assign them to cards (tasks). Each card can have members assigned as Responsible or Accountable, while Consulted and Informed roles can be indicated through labels.
• Board Descriptions: Use the board description feature to outline the RACI matrix for the entire project or process, providing a reference point for all team members.

3. Jira

• Custom Issue Types and Fields: In Jira, you can create custom issue types and fields to reflect the RACI components. Assign custom fields to issues so that each task clearly displays who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
• Dashboards and Reports: Use Jira’s dashboard and reporting features to create overviews that highlight tasks by RACI roles, helping managers and team members quickly see where attention or action is needed.

4. Microsoft Project

• Resource Sheet: Use the Resource Sheet in Microsoft Project to define all project stakeholders and their RACI roles. This can be used in conjunction with task assignments to clearly indicate who is responsible for what.
• Custom Columns: Add custom columns to the task table for RACI roles, allowing you to assign and display these roles directly within the project plan.

5. Slack Integration

• Bots and Integrations: For tools that integrate with Slack, use bots or integrations to notify team members of their RACI roles in specific tasks. For example, when a task is assigned or updated, a notification can be sent to the Responsible or Accountable person, as well as those who are Consulted or Informed.

6. Monday.com

• Status Columns: Use Monday.com’s status columns to represent RACI categories for each task. Customize the column values to match the RACI terminology and assign them accordingly.
• Automations: Set up automations that trigger notifications or updates based on changes to RACI roles within tasks, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are kept in the loop.

7. Google Sheets or Excel Online

• Shared Spreadsheet: If your team uses a simpler tool like Google Sheets or Excel Online for project management, you can create a RACI matrix directly within a shared spreadsheet. Use formulas and conditional formatting to automate and visually enhance the matrix, and integrate it with task lists for a complete overview.

RACI Chart Template

Excel 97 - 2003 download - RACI chart TEMPLATE (xls)

Excel download - RACI chart TEMPLATE (xlsx)

OpenDocument Spreadsheet - RACI chart TEMPLATE (ods)

Responsibility Assignment Matrix Template (RAM)

Read more on RACI Charts

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