Overview
ISO 21505:2017 - Project, programme and portfolio management - Guidance on governance provides high‑level guidance on the context, principles and framework for governing projects, programmes and portfolios. The standard describes how governance is exercised, who it is intended for, and how it can be used for assessment, assurance or verification of governance activities. It is aimed at governing bodies, executive and senior management, sponsors, steering committees, portfolio owners, PMOs, project/programme/portfolio managers and other stakeholders.
Key topics and technical focus
ISO 21505:2017 covers governance topics that apply across single projects, interrelated programmes and organization‑level portfolios. Key technical topics include:
- Governance context and definitions - roles of governing bodies and distinction between governance and management.
- Values and principles that should guide governance decisions (transparency, accountability, ethics).
- Guidelines and governance framework - establishment, implementation and maintenance of a governance framework, including governance interfaces between organizational layers.
- Performance and decision‑making - guidance for decision gates, reporting, assurance, audits and verification to support accountability and performance.
- Risk and stakeholder management - integrating risk (positive and negative) and stakeholder engagement into governance.
- Sustainability and ethics - embedding sustainability, statutory requirements and ethical considerations into governance.
- Specific guidance for projects, programmes and portfolios - sections dedicated to governance characteristics and recommended practices for each level (see clauses 5–8).
(The above mirrors the structure and topics listed in the ISO 21505 table of contents and introduction.)
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 21505:2017 is practical for organizations that want consistent, auditable governance of change initiatives at any scale:
- Boards, executive teams and portfolio owners use it to set governance policies and accountabilities.
- Sponsors and steering committees apply it to define decision gates, assurance and reporting expectations.
- PMOs and programme/project managers use it to align delivery practices with governance requirements.
- Internal audit, assurance and compliance teams use it for governance assessment, verification and continuous improvement.
- Consultants and implementers use it to design governance frameworks that integrate risk, stakeholder engagement and sustainability.
Benefits include improved transparency, reduced organizational risk, clearer accountability, better stakeholder engagement and increased likelihood of sustainable benefits.
Related standards
ISO 21505:2017 was developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 258 (project, programme and portfolio management). For implementation, organizations often align ISO 21505 guidance with other organizational governance, risk and management system standards and with sector‑specific project management guidance.
