How to be an effective Senior Responsible Owner (SRO)

This guide is a practical, plain-language resource for leaders accountable for major public sector infrastructure investments. It sets out what good Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) leadership looks like in practice, clarifies core accountabilities, and supports more confident decision-making and fewer delivery surprises.

The guide complements existing requirements, including Cabinet Office Circular CO (23) 9, Treasury’s Better Business Cases, and Gateway reviews.

The guide is aimed at first-time public sector infrastructure SROs. Experienced leaders will also find value in reflecting on and refreshing their practice by using this guide. It may also be useful for leaders of other project types that operate in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.