Developing Project Sponsorship

Frequently Asked Questions

Course overview

Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours)

This workshop is designed to investigate, understand and develop the role of the project sponsor.

By taking elements of effective governance from the guidance published by the APM (Association for Project Management) and Axelos Managing Successful Programmes, an improved project sponsor capability can be developed. The workshop will also explore the importance of the relationship between sponsor and project manager and how this can be improved.

Whilst predominately designed for the project sponsor role, there is provision for a discussion with project manager representatives to agree an action plan to improve the delivery of projects within an organisation.

Objectives 

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Describe and commit to the role of the Project Sponsor
• Identify the key principles of governance that can contribute to success
• Describe the environment in which the projects are delivered
• Explain the financial and resource constraints within the project environment
• Define the criteria used for project selection
• Identify the expectations of key stakeholders and develop a clear communication plan to engage with them
• Identify and resolve areas of conflict
• Describe the relationship with the Project Manager
• Create an effective environment and relationship for project success

Content

Introduction

• The Project Environment
• The Principles of Governance
• The background to the training

Roles

• The Project Sponsor
• The Project Manager
• The Project Board

Sponsor responsibilities 

• Defining Project Selection Criteria and Prioritisation
• Business Case and Justification
• Finance and Funding
• Resourcing the projects
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Governance
• Resolving conflict between stakeholders
• Benefits Realisation
• Capitalising the lessons learned during project reviews

Delivering success

• The relationship with the Project Manager and team
• Action Plan for the future

The workshop will use case studies drawn from previous client projects, both successful and less successful.

Underscore Group delivers practical, instructor-led project management training that helps people plan, lead and deliver projects with confidence. Based in Sussex and supporting organisations across the UK, we focus on real-world tools and approaches that make project delivery clearer, more structured and more achievable for teams at all levels.

Every session is tailored to your organisation’s way of working, ensuring the methods and templates translate directly into day-to-day delivery. Our project management programmes are trusted by organisations across finance, aviation, healthcare, construction and professional services, helping teams in corporate environments improve planning discipline, strengthen stakeholder engagement and deliver successful outcomes more consistently.

• Trusted by leading UK organisations
• Expert trainers with real business experience
• Small-group sessions (6–8 people)
• Practical, hands-on learning approach
• Virtual & onsite delivery across the UK
• Six months of post-course support

Still have questions about this course?

Click Enquire Now and our team will share full details on content, dates, and pricing — and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you or your organisation.

Public Training Programme

Explore our current selection of public courses, available as convenient and cost-effective virtual sessions.

Engage with expert instructors and a diverse peer group in an interactive, online learning environment.

Ideal for those valuing flexibility and affordability, our public courses are ideal where you only have small numbers requiring training and offer training from the comfort of your home or office.

Full Training Catalogue

We deliver a wide range of training across Leadership, Personal Development, Project Management, and IT applications. Many organisations choose us because they can source both technical and people-focused training from one trusted provider.

Courses can be tailored to your organisation’s needs, making it easier to upskill teams consistently across different areas. Whether you want to build management capability, strengthen project delivery, or boost everyday software skills, you’ll find relevant options in our catalogue.