Decision Record Template: Goal, Evidence, Constraints and Unknowns
Use a decision-record template covering goal, evidence, assumptions, constraints, unknowns, alternatives, approval and outcome.
Published:
A decision record should make the goal, evidence state, alternatives, authority and follow-up visible without forcing uncertainty into a false yes-or-no answer.
Copyable record structure
Complete the fields in order, then revisit earlier fields whenever evidence changes.
- 01
Goal and measure
Required change, affected group, baseline, target and review date.
- 02
Evidence map
Facts with sources; assumptions with validation; constraints with authority; unknowns with next actions.
- 03
Options and rationale
Viable alternatives, criteria, trade-offs, rejected options and dissent.
- 04
Approval and follow-up
Decision owner, conditions, delivery owner, change log and outcome review.
A conditional approval entry
‘Approve path B if identity testing passes by 30 September; otherwise return to review. Security owns evidence; the sponsor owns the decision.’ This is more operational than a bare approved status.
What this method cannot guarantee
- A template improves completeness but cannot make weak evidence reliable.
- Evidence and operating conditions can change; revisit the record when a material input changes.
- This method structures evidence and judgement; accountable people still make and own the final decision.