---
title: Template: Initiative charter (A3)
slug: improvement-initiatives/template-initiative-charter-a3
icon: {"lucideIcon":"ListRestart"}
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-08-17T11:16:14.476Z
---

## 🧭 How to use

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**ℹ️ Usage guidance**

Copy this template for any improvement initiative beyond just-do-it size. Keep the completed charter to a single page to preserve the discipline and clarity expected of the A3 format.
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### 📘 Charter preparation guidance

Use observable operational language for problem statements, reference approved KPI definitions where available, and ensure all countermeasures map directly to verified causes supported by evidence.
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## ✅ Charter workflow

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Define the operational problem using measurable evidence.
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Validate background data and confirm KPI definitions.
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Establish baseline and target states with review dates.
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Complete verified root cause analysis.
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Define countermeasures and accountable owners.
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Document standardisation changes required for sustainment.
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Verify outcome performance and closure decision.
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***

## ⚠️ Problem statement

*What happens today, in observable operational terms. No causes, no solutions.*

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Example: "The median intermediary onboarding cycle time is 14 working days against a 10-day target; the P90 is 31 days."
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## 📊 Background and evidence

*Why it matters, with the supporting operational data. Link the KPI dictionary definition and the relevant scorecard reporting periods.*

## 🎯 Baseline and target

|          | Measure | Value | As at |
| -------- | ------- | ----- | ----- |
| Baseline |         |       |       |
| Target   |         |       |       |

## 🔎 Root cause analysis

*Completed during Analyse. Specify the method used (5-why, fishbone, data segmentation) and list only verified causes supported by evidence demonstrating impact on the outcome.*

## 🛠️ Countermeasures

*One row per countermeasure, each aligned to a verified operational cause.*

| Countermeasure | Addresses cause | Owner | Date |
| -------------- | --------------- | ----- | ---- |

## 🧾 Standardisation plan

*List SOPs, work instructions, checklists, registers, or governance controls requiring updates to sustain the improvement outcome.*

## ✅ Verification

*Document when the baseline measure is re-read, the resulting performance level, and the closure or escalation decision.*

**Charter owner:** · **Sponsor:** · **Forum approval date:**