This new core guidance from the Cabinet Office describes why, when and how to use portfolio, programme and project offices (P3O) models. It describes what a P3O is, defining the two key types of P3O, and goes on to answer the question posed by senior management: "Why have P3O's and what value-add do they bring to the organisation?" It also includes Business Cases, funding models for set-up and ongoing costs and performance measures.

The publication looks at the lifecycle of a P3O and describes the use of a project based approach to scoping and setting up a suitable P3O model within an organisation. It also includes checklists for start-up, continuous improvement, and reviving and closing down temporary offices and looks at the functions and services carried out within a P3O, and the techniques and tools used to facilitate this.