Setting up a Programme or Project 'War Room'

What is a ‘war room’?

A programme (or project) ‘war room’ might also be called a control/command/situation room. It can be a highly effective tool, depending on how it is set up and used. For some, it is a meeting space, for others it is where the programme (or project) work is done. This brief guidance is intended to help programmes and projects design a useful ‘war room’ space.

Be clear about its purpose

This could be to: provide a highly effective communication space/improve collaboration and integration across a complex programme/make it easy for everyone to stay informed/improve the speed and quality of decision-making.

Be clear about its primary users

Who is the war room for? Is it just the project leaders? Does it include all team members? Is it a place you can invite stakeholders?

Determine a simple and succinct set of ‘rules’ for the room

How will the primary users make the best use of the war room?

Rules people have employed include: 

• Board/information owners are responsible for keeping information up to date 
• Don’t change other people’s information without checking in with them