Have you heard of the Policy Governance system for boards? This slideshow provides a very brief overview of this system and the benefits it provides for boards of directors and staff of companies and organizations. To learn how to maximize accountability and transparency without sacrificing creativity, innovation and efficiency, contact Susan at Brown Dog Consulting at 1-877-847-4552 or email susan@browndogconsulting.com.

1. What is Policy Governance ? ®
• set of 10 principles, designed by Dr. John Carver
• used in its entirety, P.G. works like a system
• aligns ownership - board - management/operations
• links expectations and concepts to results and reality

2. What is Policy Governance ? ®
(continued)
• based on premise that boards
must be accountable to
moral/legal owners
• translates wishes of owners into
organizational performance
• board role is one of “servant-
leadership”
• written board policies are
organized into four categories:
Ends, Executive Limitations,
Governance Process, and Board-
Management Delegation

3. Benefits of Using P.G.
• owners are engaged with board in dialogue re:
“What does success look like?”
• all expectations and criteria for success for board
and staff are pre-stated by the board in policy
• owners see their input translate into results
• lines of delegation and communication are clear

4. Benefits of Using P.G.
• policies are concise, practical, and anticipate risk
• staff have freedom and strategic agility to achieve
board-stated results inside board-set parameters
• role clarity means less duplication of effort
• in every situation, at least something has already been
said at some level, giving all a common starting point

5. Benefits of Using P.G.
• a comprehensive, evidence-based monitoring
system maximizes board’s ability to be accountable
• directors can control without having to do
• clarity, focus => ability to do more with less
• multiple P.G. publications, resources, networks are
available to inform and motivate practitioners
Policy Governance® is a service mark of John Carver. Used with permission. © 2012 by Susan Mogensen, Brown Dog Consulting. Info: susan@browndogconsulting.com or 1-877-847-4552.