Policy Governance® Simplified

Policy Governance® seems to be conceptually easy to grasp, but its explanations seem to stand in contrast to that fact. Even when presented in a "Nutshell," the explanation tends to be pages long. The words Theory and Model are integral parts of its explanation, emphasizing its holistic integration, but the specific items that make up the theory or model are not routinely or easily identified.

This is an attempt to provide that which seems to be missing, a simple way to describe Policy Governance®. This is not meant to be a full description or a glossary of terms, and for many, especially those new to Policy Governance®, it will be too short.

Policy Governance® Theory:

Organizations should exist to meet an End or Ends.
Ends and Means are different and should be treated differently.

Board Means and Staff Means are different and should be treated differently.
Delegation is best done by identifying what to avoid rather than identifying what to do.
Accountability is assured through monitoring.

The Policy Governance® Model:

Boards are the link between the Owners and the Organization.
As the representatives of the Owners, Boards define the Ends.
Boards maintain the separation between Ends and Means, and Board Means and Staff Means by establishing four types of written policies: Ends, Governance Process, Board-Executive Relationship, and Executive Limitations.
Boards speak with one voice as represented in their written documents.

Click here to go to the Annotated Glossary of Policy Governance® terms