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Practical Project Management for PMs & PMOs
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Free templates & guides

Free project management templates and guides

Every SSLM template and guide, free to download and use for your own learning and your own individual projects. No sign-up. Start with the Starter pack for a first project, or take the full framework. Organisations, please contact us to license. The SSLM name and artefacts remain the property of SSLM.

⬇ Starter pack — 13 templates for a first project ⬇ Full framework pack — all 51 files

📕 Start here · master document SSLM Standard Operating Procedure The single source of truth that ties the whole framework together — purpose, the governance principles, the document model, roles, and the one identifier system every document inherits. Included in the full pack. Word · master doc
Tier introduced Tier 1 Core — a first project Tier 2 Extended — added on a trigger Tier 3 Program / Value Stream How tiers scale →
What you use

The template library

Two ways in. Start with the flow — the core documents in the order you use them, just below — or browse the full catalogue by area underneath. Click a step in the flow, or any document in the catalogue, to see what it is, where it sits in the model, what it supports, and how to use it with the others. Grab the Starter or Full pack above to get the files.

Start light: a simple project (or a Discovery phase) needs just four — a light Business Case, the Project Plan, the RAID & Tracker Log, and the Weekly Report.
As you scale: more documents come in on a trigger — see the Scale page.
Pre-project → Green Light
Delivery
Reporting & Post Go-Live
↓ Click a step to open its full entry in the catalogue below.

1 · Baseline & Control

PPTIdea on a PageTier 1 · IDEA-NNN
What
A single page that captures a new idea or change idea, the front door to all change.
In the model
Pre-approval, the very first step in the Baseline and Control track.
Supports
Anchor to purpose, so every initiative states why before any effort is spent.
Use with
Logged in the Idea Log, then scored on the PTIP if it proceeds.
ExcelIdea LogTier 1
What
The register that records every idea captured, with owner and status.
In the model
Pre-approval, held by the PMO alongside Idea on a Page.
Supports
Prioritise, giving the PMO one clear view of demand before funding.
Use with
Each row starts as an Idea on a Page and feeds the PTIP.
ExcelPTIPTier 1 · YYYY-NNN
What
The pipeline where every idea is scored on the same basis to fund, hold or stop it.
In the model
Pre-approval, the point where a Project Reference is born.
Supports
Prioritise, so limited capacity goes to the highest value work.
Use with
Draws from the Idea Log; a funded line then needs a Business Case. See the PTIP Prioritisation guide.
WordBusiness CaseTier 1
What
The approved rationale, scope, benefits and cost for one initiative.
In the model
Approving it is the Green Light, the stage gate that baselines the project.
Supports
Fit for purpose, a right-sized case rather than a heavy document.
Use with
Scored on the PTIP first; its benefits carry into the Benefit Register. See the Benefits Realisation guide.
ExcelProject Closure & HandoverTier 1 · 2 tabs
What
Confirms work is complete, captures lessons and hands benefits tracking to the business.
In the model
Post Go-Live, the final step that retires the Project Reference.
Supports
Willingness to stop, and Learn and improve.
Use with
Checks the RAID logs are closed; lessons feed the Lessons Learned guide.

2 · PM Documents & Tools

ExcelProject Plan & ScheduleTier 1 · M#
What
The milestone spine, sequenced along the critical path.
In the model
Delivery, the backbone of the PM Documents and Tools track.
Supports
Plan to the critical path; each milestone sits at a reporting level.
Use with
Milestones drive the Weekly Update; dependencies live in the RAID logs.
ExcelRAID & Tracker LogsTier 1 · 12 tabs
What
One workbook for risks, assumptions, issues, dependencies, decisions, actions and more.
In the model
Delivery, the project's working memory across its whole life.
Supports
Report the real colour, backed by evidence rather than opinion.
Use with
Feeds the Weekly Update and SteerCo Pack; Minutes and Change Requests write back to it.
PPTChange Request FormTier 1 · CR-NN
What
Raised only when scope, time, cost, benefits or a deliverable changes.
In the model
Delivery, a controlled exception to the baseline set at Green Light.
Supports
Protects the baseline; normal re-prioritising inside it needs no request.
Use with
Logged in the RAID change tab and decided at SteerCo. See the Change Request and Idea Intake guide.

3 · Administration & Reporting

Reporting
PPTWeekly UpdateTier 1
What
The PM's weekly status, a RAG rating plus trend of improved, stable or declined.
In the model
Delivery, the base of the reporting chain.
Supports
Narrative flow and roll-up, the lowest level that everything above synthesises.
Use with
Draws from the RAID logs and Plan; rolls up into the Monthly Report. See the Status Reporting guide.
ExcelMonthly Report to BoMTier 1 · 4 tabs
What
A monthly synthesis across all initiatives for the Board of Management.
In the model
Delivery and governance, one level up from the Weekly Update.
Supports
Roll-up, where each level synthesises the one below and never repeats it.
Use with
Built from the Weekly Updates; informs SteerCo and executive reporting.
Governance & Meetings
PPTSteerCo PackTier 1
What
The governance forum's papers for decisions beyond the PM's authority.
In the model
Delivery governance, where the Management and Governance views meet.
Supports
Clear accountability and authority; open questions are logged and resolved.
Use with
Built from the RAID logs and reports; decisions captured in Minutes. See the Meeting Playbook.
WordMinutesTier 1
What
Decisions and actions captured from a meeting.
In the model
Delivery governance, immediately after each SteerCo.
Supports
Clear accountability, a durable record of who decided what.
Use with
Decisions and actions feed straight back into the RAID logs. See the Meeting Playbook.
WordTerms of ReferenceTier 1
What
Sets a governance body's purpose, membership and authority.
In the model
Delivery governance, the standing mandate for a SteerCo or board.
Supports
Right-size governance, so a forum has clear scope and limits.
Use with
Frames each SteerCo Pack and Minutes; pairs with the RACI.
Risk & Assurance
ExcelProject Health-CheckTier 2
What
A quick self-assessment of how well a project is being run.
In the model
Delivery assurance, used on a trigger or at a review point.
Supports
Fit for purpose, and Learn and improve.
Use with
Reads across the Plan, RAID and reports; findings raise RAID actions.
ExcelRisk Assessment ToolTier 2 · 2 tabs
What
Scores and ranks risks by likelihood and impact.
In the model
Delivery, a deeper view behind the RAID risk tab.
Supports
Report the real colour, with risk sized consistently.
Use with
Top risks surface in the RAID logs and reports. See the Risk and Assurance guide.
ExcelAssurance Assessment ToolTier 2 · 13 dims
What
Rates delivery confidence across thirteen dimensions.
In the model
Delivery assurance, added when a project needs closer oversight.
Supports
Capable to deliver, an honest read on readiness.
Use with
Complements the Health-Check; results inform SteerCo. See the Risk and Assurance guide.
Stakeholders & Communication
ExcelRACITier 2 · RACI###
What
Maps who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed.
In the model
Delivery, clarifying roles across the Management view.
Supports
Clear accountability and authority for every activity.
Use with
Supports the Terms of Reference and the Stakeholder and Comms Plan.
ExcelStakeholder & Comms PlanTier 2 · 2 tabs
What
Identifies stakeholders and plans how and when to engage them.
In the model
Delivery, part of the Management view.
Supports
Anchor to purpose, by keeping the right people engaged.
Use with
Pairs with the RACI. See the Stakeholder Management guide.
Cost, Benefits & Vendors
ExcelCost & Resource PlanTier 2 · 2 tabs
What
Plans and tracks project cost and resource use.
In the model
Delivery, sitting under the Plan and Schedule.
Supports
Fit for purpose spending against the baselined case.
Use with
Reconciles to the Business Case; variances raise a Change Request. See the Budget, Cost and Resource guide.
ExcelBenefit RegisterTier 2 · 2 tabs
What
Records the expected benefits and tracks them to realisation.
In the model
Green Light through to Post Go-Live, carrying benefits the whole way.
Supports
Anchor to purpose; benefits are the reason the project exists.
Use with
Seeded by the Business Case; handed over at Closure. See the Benefits Realisation guide.
ExcelVendor RegisterTier 2 · 2 tabs
What
Tracks vendors, contracts and key dates.
In the model
Delivery, part of the Management view where third parties are used.
Supports
Capable to deliver, with supply risk kept visible.
Use with
Vendor risks and actions flow into the RAID logs. See the Vendor and Procurement guide.
Design & Standards
ExcelDesign Principles RegisterTier 2 · 3 tabs
What
Records the agreed design principles a solution must honour.
In the model
Delivery, guiding decisions across the Management view.
Supports
Compose from standard blocks, with consistent design rules.
Use with
Decisions test against it; exceptions raise a RAID decision. See the Design Principles guide.

4 · Enterprise Extension

ExcelExecutive Stream One-PagerTier 3
What
A single executive view of a value stream or program.
In the model
Post Go-Live and portfolio level, above a single project.
Supports
Roll-up, and Right-size governance at scale.
Use with
Synthesises Monthly Reports across initiatives. See Programs and Portfolios.
Reference

Other useful documents

The guidance behind the templates — how each mechanism works, and how the framework scales. Included in the full pack.

Guides

Guides
WordQuick-Start GuideTier 1
What
The fastest route to running a first project with SSLM.
In the model
Spans the whole flow at a high level.
Supports
Simple Solution, getting started without a heavy setup.
Use with
Points to the Starter pack templates in the order you use them.
WordGetting Started in PM (New PM & PMO)Tier 1
What
Orientation for someone new to project management or a PMO.
In the model
Sits before the flow, building the basics.
Supports
Capable to deliver, raising confidence early.
Use with
Read alongside the Heuristics and Quick-Start guides.
WordHeuristics — Rules of ThumbTier 1
What
Practical rules of thumb for judgement calls under uncertainty.
In the model
Applies across every stage of the flow.
Supports
Learn and improve; better decisions with less analysis.
Use with
Pairs with the Tips and Techniques page and the Getting Started guide.
WordRAID Log & EscalationTier 1
What
How to run the RAID logs and when to escalate.
In the model
Delivery, the discipline behind the RAID workbook.
Supports
Report the real colour, and Willingness to stop.
Use with
The companion to the RAID and Tracker Logs template.
WordStatus ReportingTier 1
What
How to write a clear status with RAG and trend.
In the model
Delivery reporting, across the whole chain.
Supports
Narrative flow and roll-up.
Use with
The companion to the Weekly Update and Monthly Report.
WordChange Request & Idea IntakeTier 1
What
How ideas enter, and how changes are raised and controlled.
In the model
Pre-approval intake and Delivery change control.
Supports
Prioritise, and protect the baseline.
Use with
The companion to the Idea on a Page and Change Request Form.
WordChange Management (ADKAR)Tier 2
What
How to bring people through a change using ADKAR.
In the model
Delivery through to Post Go-Live, the people side of change.
Supports
Anchor to purpose, so change actually sticks.
Use with
Works with the Stakeholder and Comms Plan and the Benefit Register.
WordBudget, Cost & Resource ManagementTier 2
What
How to plan and control cost and resources.
In the model
Delivery, behind the Cost and Resource Plan.
Supports
Fit for purpose spending.
Use with
The companion to the Cost and Resource Plan; overruns raise a Change Request.
WordBenefits Realisation & Post Go-Live TrackingTier 2
What
How to define benefits and track them after go-live.
In the model
Green Light through to Post Go-Live.
Supports
Anchor to purpose, proving the value was delivered.
Use with
The companion to the Business Case and Benefit Register.
WordRisk & Assurance ApproachTier 2
What
How to identify, size and assure against risk.
In the model
Delivery assurance across the life.
Supports
Report the real colour, and Capable to deliver.
Use with
Sits behind the Risk Assessment and Assurance Assessment tools.
WordStakeholder Management, RACI & CommunicationTier 2
What
How to identify, map and engage stakeholders.
In the model
Delivery, the Management view.
Supports
Clear accountability, and Anchor to purpose.
Use with
The companion to the RACI and the Stakeholder and Comms Plan.
WordVendor & Procurement ManagementTier 2
What
How to select and manage vendors and contracts.
In the model
Delivery, where third parties deliver scope.
Supports
Capable to deliver, with supply risk controlled.
Use with
The companion to the Vendor Register.
WordMeeting PlaybookTier 1
What
How to run effective project and governance meetings.
In the model
Delivery governance.
Supports
Right-size governance, meetings that decide rather than report.
Use with
Runs the SteerCo Pack and Minutes.
WordLessons Learned & Closure FacilitationTier 1
What
How to capture lessons and close a project cleanly.
In the model
Post Go-Live closure.
Supports
Learn and improve.
Use with
The companion to the Project Closure and Handover template.
WordPTIP PrioritisationTier 1
What
How to score and rank initiatives consistently.
In the model
Pre-approval prioritisation.
Supports
Prioritise, funding the highest value work.
Use with
The companion to the PTIP template.
WordDelivery MethodologiesTier 1
What
How SSLM works with Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid or a Value Stream.
In the model
Spans Delivery, method by choice not by mandate.
Supports
Fit for purpose; SSLM is methodology-agnostic.
Use with
Guides how the Plan and reporting are shaped.
WordDesign PrinciplesTier 2
What
How to set and use design principles on a project.
In the model
Delivery, guiding solution decisions.
Supports
Compose from standard blocks.
Use with
The companion to the Design Principles Register.
WordDocument Naming & Numbering ConventionsTier 1
What
The one identifier system every document inherits.
In the model
Spans the whole flow, the thread that ties records together.
Supports
Narrative flow, one Project Reference end to end.
Use with
Applies to every template and log.
WordVersion Control & StorageTier 1
What
How to version, name and store project records.
In the model
Spans the whole flow.
Supports
Low maintenance, records that stay findable.
Use with
Works with the Naming and Numbering conventions.
WordWhy SSLM — Leadership One-PagerTier 1
What
A one-page case for adopting SSLM, written for leaders.
In the model
Sits above the flow, the rationale for the framework.
Supports
Anchor to purpose at the top of the organisation.
Use with
Pairs with the Standard Operating Procedure.

Scaling & enterprise

Scaling & enterprise
WordPrograms & PortfoliosTier 3
What
How SSLM scales from a project to programs and portfolios.
In the model
Portfolio level, above single projects.
Supports
Right-size governance, and Roll-up.
Use with
Uses the Executive Stream One-Pager.
WordSSLM & Value Stream PMTier 3
What
How to apply SSLM in a value stream operating model.
In the model
Portfolio and value stream level.
Supports
Access over ownership, standing capability over one-off projects.
Use with
Pairs with Programs and Portfolios.
WordCoexistence with Established MethodsTier 3
What
How SSLM sits alongside PRINCE2, PMBOK, Agile and others.
In the model
Spans the flow at scale.
Supports
Fit for purpose, adopt without a rebuild.
Use with
Read with Delivery Methodologies.
WordRelationship ManagementTier 3
What
How to build the relationships that carry delivery at scale.
In the model
Portfolio and enterprise level.
Supports
Capable to deliver.
Use with
Extends the Stakeholder Management guide.
WordFlow-to-Executive TranslationTier 3
What
How to turn delivery detail into an executive narrative.
In the model
Delivery up to executive reporting.
Supports
Roll-up, each level synthesises the one below.
Use with
Feeds the Executive Stream One-Pager.
WordEPMO Build & MaturityTier 4
What
How to stand up an enterprise PMO.
In the model
Enterprise level, above the portfolio.
Supports
Right-size governance as an organisation grows.
Use with
Read with the EPMO Maturity Model and Roadmap.
WordEPMO Maturity Model & RoadmapTier 4
What
A model to assess PMO maturity and plan the next step.
In the model
Enterprise level.
Supports
Learn and improve at the organisation level.
Use with
The companion to the EPMO Build and Maturity guide.

Why SSLM