Designing the Project: Scope, Stakeholders, and the Project Charter
Leading Change in Human Services
(Part 4 of 6) - Reading time: 5 to 7 minutes
Once organizations understand the problem they want to address, the next step is translating that understanding into a structured change project.
Without structure, change initiatives often lose focus or expand beyond what organizations can realistically manage. A clear project design helps organizations define goals, coordinate efforts, and track progress.
Defining Project Scope
Project scope describes what the change initiative will address—and what it will not address.
Clear scope helps prevent confusion and protects staff from initiatives that continually expand.
A strong scope statement clarifies:
the specific problem being addressed
which teams or processes are involved
the expected outcomes of the project
By defining these boundaries early, organizations can focus their efforts and use resources effectively.
Identifying Stakeholders
Most change projects affect multiple groups within an organization and sometimes beyond it.
Stakeholders may include:
frontline staff who implement new practices
supervisors who guide implementation
leadership responsible for oversight
partner organizations that interact with the system
Identifying stakeholders early allows organizations to involve the right people in planning and decision-making.
Training Participant Perspective
“Asking for input and feedback on potential solutions to challenges.”
This approach highlights an important practice when designing change projects: involving staff early in identifying solutions. Frontline staff and supervisors often have the clearest understanding of operational challenges and practical constraints.
By asking for input and feedback during the planning stage, leaders can ensure that proposed solutions reflect the realities of daily work. This collaborative approach not only strengthens project design but also increases staff engagement and ownership of the change process.
Developing a Project Charter
A project charter is a simple document that outlines the essential elements of a change initiative.
Typically, a project charter includes:
the purpose of the project
key objectives and expected outcomes
roles and responsibilities
a general timeline for implementation
The charter serves as a reference point for everyone involved, helping ensure that the project remains aligned with its goals.
What Leaders Can Do
Leaders can support strong project design by:
defining a clear and realistic scope
involving key stakeholders early in the process
identifying staff who may serve as early adopters or champions
establishing clear roles and expectations through a project charter
What Staff Can Do
Staff can contribute by:
sharing operational insights about how proposed changes may affect daily work
participating in planning discussions when invited
offering practical ideas for implementation
Looking Ahead In This Series
Change projects often extend beyond the organization itself. In the next article, we will explore how leaders can manage change within the broader community by engaging partners, communicating effectively, and building trust across systems.
Learn how our Organizational Development services support agencies in leading effective change and strengthening their teams: https://www.ihs-trainet.com/organizational-development