Clarify the use of the Policy Governance Model by Council

Policy Governance is a system that helps boards, like our Federal Council, lead successful organizations. It ensures that Council and staff are clear on who does what and why, while it also maximizes board accountability to members. Author Susan Mogensen explains the six major benefits of a policy governance system (http://www.browndogconsulting.com/index.php/policy-governance-benefits/):
1. Empower the staff to do their job with confidence and creativity through having clear and complete criteria for successful decisions, plans and actions.
2. Council saves time discussing operational details or minutiae and can focus on setting direction and priorities.
3. Members are heard and see results. Policy Governance emphasizes that accountability is to the members. This model helps the Council to focus on linkages with the membership and develop policies and monitor results in a way that maximizes alignment between member’s expectations and results.
4. Council members add value and make a difference. Boards using Policy Governance set the “tone at the top,” and direct and protect the organization with the greatest possible clarity and efficiency. Board members engage in rich, values-based conversations and make important decisions that have tremendous impact on the organization.
5. The board has the ability to control risk (without stifling creativity). Boards using Policy Governance apply principles that simultaneously control risk throughout the organization and maximize freedom for staff to get the job done. Additionally, monitoring performance uses a simple, streamlined, evidence-based approach.
6. ‘Politics’ is kept to a minimum. Boards using Policy Governance enjoy a high level of clarity, empowerment, and accountability, in which room or necessity for tension, politics, and disharmony is minimized. When everyone knows the rules of the game, it is much more fun and fair for everyone to play!

Policy Governance is a system that helps boards, like our Federal Council, lead successful organizations. It ensures that Council and staff are clear on who does what and why, while it also maximizes board accountability to members. Author Susan Mogensen explains the six major benefits of a policy governance system (http://www.browndogconsulting.com/index.php/policy-governance-benefits/):
1. Empower the staff to do their job with confidence and creativity through having clear and complete criteria for successful decisions, plans and actions.
2. Council saves time discussing operational details or minutiae and can focus on setting direction and priorities.
3. Members are heard and see results. Policy Governance emphasizes that accountability is to the members. This model helps the Council to focus on linkages with the membership and develop policies and monitor results in a way that maximizes alignment between member’s expectations and results.
4. Council members add value and make a difference. Boards using Policy Governance set the “tone at the top,” and direct and protect the organization with the greatest possible clarity and efficiency. Board members engage in rich, values-based conversations and make important decisions that have tremendous impact on the organization.
5. The board has the ability to control risk (without stifling creativity). Boards using Policy Governance apply principles that simultaneously control risk throughout the organization and maximize freedom for staff to get the job done. Additionally, monitoring performance uses a simple, streamlined, evidence-based approach.
6. ‘Politics’ is kept to a minimum. Boards using Policy Governance enjoy a high level of clarity, empowerment, and accountability, in which room or necessity for tension, politics, and disharmony is minimized. When everyone knows the rules of the game, it is much more fun and fair for everyone to play!