Body of Knowledge

Good Governance Body of Knowledge

The Good Governance Institute is a developing social enterprise, with roots back to the Board Support Team at the former NHS CGST. A key role is to develop and maintain the Good Governance Body of Knowledge, or BOK as the authoritative summary of the knowledge base for governance practitioners. The six modules are organised to define the knowledge that we should know; the way we should apply that knowledge and how we might promote that knowledge.

Module 1: Concepts of Governance

How governance has developed in the private, public and third sectors referencing the major reports and guidance, and identifying some of the ongoing tensions.

Module 2: Purpose & Strategy

Regular reviews and reflection on the purpose of the organisation as systems and behaviours will need to be amended to suit a changing purpose. Balancing strategic focus with the delivery of safe, joined up and cost effective services.

Module 3:Decision Taking, Roles & Behaviours

The role of Boards as the ultimate decision taking body and the importance of clarity of roles and the impact that behaviours have on good governance; drawing lessons from governance failures where inappropriate behaviours have compromised the organisation.

Module 4: Partnerships, Structures & Supports

Importance of creating effective partnerships and joint working but firmly linking this into the organisation’s arrangements for risk sensitivity, compliance and assurance within and between organisations.

Module 5: Systems, Tools & Techniques

Importance of creating effective partnerships and joint working but firmly linking this into the organisation’s arrangements for risk sensitivity, compliance and assurance within and between organisations.

Module 6: Regulation, QA & Improvement

It is the Board’s job to be the first line of regulation and compliance. This section rehearses good practice for the Board’s role in regulation, scrutiny, audit and improvement.