This Field Guide outlines the basic steps, timeline, and critical factors for successful implementation of Policy Governance (sometimes referred to herein as “PG”). When implementing Policy Governance, it is important to move forward relatively quickly in order to not lose momentum, while taking enough time to make thoughtful and informed decisions.
Decide – The board makes an informed decision to implement PG and then agrees to the necessary effort and resources.
Invest – Get the support to help you through the process. Take advantage of the wisdom of those with experience and expertise.
Act – Don’t agonize, FLIP THE SWITCH! Adopt the Policy Register and discard any old policies and processes that have been made obsolete (which should be almost everything!).
Develop Ends – Develop Ends Policies that will inspire your organization through a thoughtful, facilitated process. This can be done over a weekend along with the Policy development, or separately 6-12 months after. The co-op already has some guidance and direction, whether written as a Mission or elsewhere or even unspoken. Save Ends policies for last so that the rest of the systems can be working while the board takes sufficient time to deliberate Ends.
Perpetuate – Ensure that your board has the necessary skills, tools, and support to maintain excellence over the long term. Invest time and resources in orientation, practice, and retraining as needed.
Reflect on how it’s going; identify opportunities for additional learning or improvements. Decide on Board self-monitoring methodology and begin.
Learning – Understand the principles and paradigm shift. Invest in learning and continuous improvement.
Commitment – Decision need not be unanimous but must be pursued as if it was.
Leadership – Must have person(s) willing and able to provide leadership.
Process – Develop (and stick to) an implementation plan and timeline.
Progress (not perfection) – Willingness to let go of perfection. Don’t get stuck in wording. Be willing to try something that can be changed later if needed.
Monitoring – Set and adhere to a thorough monitoring schedule.
Let go – Remove old tools and processes. Don’t operate with two systems.
Embrace Power – A powerful & accountable executive + A powerful & effective board = A powerful & inspiring cooperative!
Continuous improvement – Improve the policies as they are used and monitored.
Policy-focused – Continuous referral to policy manual. Use the policies to guide every decision, agenda topic, and action. By proactively articulating values we don’t have to start from scratch on each decision, topic, and action; so use the policies!
Strategic Leadership – Implement strategic leadership through study and engagement.
What governance system do we currently use? What are the benefits and drawbacks of this system?
What benefits might our board (or our organization) realize with a shift to Policy Governance?
What will it take to build the level of commitment necessary to implement Policy Governance?
What kind of support might we need for education, planning, initial implementation, and peak performance?
What obstacles might our board face in implementing Policy Governance?
What kind of plan will we need to keep momentum moving forward and to assure that we have the necessary leadership through the implementation phase and beyond?
Taking Policy To Heart – an easy-to-digest overview of the 10 principles of PG.
PG FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Policy Governance.
The International Policy Governance Association’s Policy Governance Source Document – Looking for a precise description of the 10 principles of the Policy Governance model? This official document lays out what IS and IS NOT Policy Governance.
Boards That Make a Difference: A New Design for Leadership in Nonprofit and Public Organizations by John Carver (Jossey-Bass, 1990; 2nd edition, 1997; 3rd edition, 2006). From www.carvergovernance.com. This book is the single most inclusive text on the Policy Governance model as it relates to nonprofit and governmental boards.
Sample set of Reports – A look at how a GM could interpret and report on policies that match (or nearly match) the CBLD Policy template.
Monitoring Decision Tree – This tool helps the board stay focused on organizational accountability by asking the appropriate and necessary questions.
Board self monitoring resources – article on board approaches to holding themselves accountable.
Thinking Strategically – article on value of board study and engagement.
Policy Governance® is the registered service mark of John Carver.