Handoff Document
Project: [Project Name] Client: [Client Name] From: [Outgoing person] To: [Incoming person] Effective Date: [Date]
Handoff Summary
Reason for handoff: [Why this transition is happening]
Handoff type:
- Full transition (complete ownership transfer)
- Partial transition (specific responsibilities)
- Temporary coverage (expected return date: [Date])
Project Context
Current State
- Status: Active / On Hold / Complete
- Health: On Track / At Risk / Blocked
- Phase: [Current phase]
- Progress: [X]% complete
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| [Date] | Next milestone |
| [Date] | Client review |
| [Date] | Project end |
What's Been Done
- [Completed item 1]
- [Completed item 2]
- [Completed item 3]
What's In Progress
- [In progress item 1] - [Status]
- [In progress item 2] - [Status]
What's Coming
- [Upcoming item 1]
- [Upcoming item 2]
Client Context
Key Stakeholders
| Name | Role | Relationship Notes |
|---|---|---|
| [Name] | Executive Sponsor | [Notes on working with them] |
| [Name] | Project Lead | [Notes] |
| [Name] | [Role] | [Notes] |
Communication Preferences
- [Name]: [Prefers email/calls/meetings, frequency]
- [Name]: [Prefers...]
Relationship Dynamics
[Important context about client relationships, politics, history]
Sensitivities
[Topics to handle carefully, past issues, things to avoid]
Open Items
Active Risks
| Risk | Status | Mitigation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Risk 1] | Monitoring | [Mitigation] | [Context] |
Outstanding Issues
| Issue | Priority | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Issue 1] | High/Med/Low | [Who] | [Context] |
Pending Decisions
| Decision | Deadline | Context |
|---|---|---|
| [Decision 1] | [Date] | [Background] |
Action Items
| Item | Owner | Due | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item 1] | [Who] | [Date] | [Status] |
Key Documents
| Document | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SOW | [Link/Path] | Contract |
| Project Charter | [Link/Path] | Project setup |
| Status Reports | [Link/Path] | History |
| [Other docs] | [Link/Path] | [Purpose] |
Technical Context
Systems/Tools
| System | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| [System 1] | [Purpose] | [How to access] |
| [System 2] | [Purpose] | [How to access] |
Architecture/Technical Notes
[Key technical context the new person needs]
Institutional Knowledge
What's Working Well
- [Thing that works 1]
- [Thing that works 2]
What to Watch Out For
- [Gotcha 1]
- [Gotcha 2]
Tips for Success
- [Tip 1]
- [Tip 2]
History That Matters
[Context about past events that influences current situation]
Handoff Activities
Before Transition
- Handoff document completed
- Key documents organized
- Access arranged for new person
- Stakeholders notified
During Transition
- Introduction meeting with client
- Walkthrough of active work
- Q&A session
- Shadow period (if applicable)
After Transition
- New person confirmed as point of contact
- Old person available for questions until [Date]
- Follow-up check-in scheduled for [Date]
Contact Information
Outgoing: [Name] - [Email] - [Phone] Available for questions until: [Date]
Incoming: [Name] - [Email] - [Phone]
Sign-Off
Outgoing: _________________ Date: _______
Incoming: _________________ Date: _______
Manager: _________________ Date: _______