Root Cause Analysis Template

Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action

From symptom to verified cause to an action that actually holds — the whole investigation in one structured document.

Most investigations stop at the first plausible answer, write a corrective action, and close it. Six months later the same thing happens. This template forces the process past the symptom, and does not let you close until the fix has been proven to work.

The six sections

1. Event definition and containment — what happened, when, what was done immediately to stop it getting worse
2. Evidence and timeline — what is actually known, in order, separated from what is assumed
3. Cause analysis — the structured methods: five whys, cause-and-effect, the contributing factors
4. Root and contributing causes — the distinction that matters, stated separately
5. Corrective and preventive actions — fix this instance, and stop the class of problem recurring
6. Effectiveness verification and closure — the section almost everyone skips: proof that the action worked, before closing

Sixteen pre-built tables.

Why the last section is the whole point

An action that is closed because it was completed is not a fix — it is an assumption. This template asks what evidence shows the problem has actually stopped, who checked, and when. Until that is filled in, the investigation stays open.

Who it's for

Quality managers, HSE teams, operations managers and project managers dealing with non-conformances, incidents, defects or repeated failures — and anyone who has been asked for an RCA by a client or auditor.

How you use it

Work through the sections in order, in a group if possible. Delete the guidance text, get it approved, and use the verification section at the review date.

Editable Word document. No macros, no subscription. Pairs with the Quality NCR & CAPA Command Centre, which holds these investigations as a register, and the Quality Management Approach, which defines how they are triggered.

Built in Australia from more than twenty years of program delivery experience. Instant download, yours to keep.