Policy Governance Overview (Carver Model)

Policy Governance® (also known as the Carver Model) is a governance system developed by John Carver that enables boards to focus on results, define clear organizational purpose, and delegate authority while maintaining accountability.

Video Transcript:

Policy Governance is a way to make sure organizations achieve the right results and avoid jeopardy. It helps everyone save time, avoid common problems, and focus on relevant outcomes.

PG has ten principles that every board or group of people with authority can apply however they like. The key to success is knowing what these ten principles are, and how they work as a system.

The 10 Principles of Policy Governance

These principles deal with:

Owner-Accountability

To whom is the board accountable?

Board Position

Where does the board stand in relationship to the owners, CEO, staff, and why?

Group Authority

Do board members act as a group, or as individuals?

Ends

Who benefits, in what way, and at what worth?

Board Means

How does the board organize all its rules for itself, and deal with its relationship with the CEO?

Executive Limitations

How do we protect the organization from undue risk without micromanaging?

Policy Sizes

How do we say something about everything in as few words as possible?

Clarity of Delegation

What’s important when delegating?

Any reasonable interpretation

How do policies translate into real results on the ground?

Monitoring

How does the board know that all its policies are being followed?

To learn more about Policy Governance principles and how they work, take the Board EXCELerator online board education program.

This is Susan Mogensen, with Brown Dog Consulting.

A Note on the Policy Governance system (Carver Model):

Policy Governance is not a checklist. The ten principles operate as an integrated governance system. Applying only some of the principles often leads to confusion, blurred accountability, and inconsistent governance practice.

Common Questions About Policy Governance

Who developed Policy Governance?

Policy Governance was developed by John Carver in the 1970s. It is often referred to as the Carver Model.

Is Policy Governance only for nonprofit boards?

No. While commonly used in nonprofit and public organizations, the principles can be applied by any board governing on behalf of owners. (Corporate Boards That Create Value addresses Policy Governance in the for-profit context).

What is the purpose of Policy Governance?

The purpose of Policy Governance is to help boards focus on results, define clear organizational purpose (Ends), and delegate authority in a way that maintains accountability while preventing micromanagement.

How can board members or CEOs learn about Policy Governance?

Structured education can help both board members and management understand how the principles work together in practice. We offer self-paced online learning programs include the Board EXCELerator (main edition) and the Board EXCELerator: Management Edition.

See also: Policy Governance vs. Traditional Governance: 6 Key Differences and Benefits