The Policy Governance Fieldbook: Practical Lessons, Tips, And Tools From The Experience Of Real-World Boards

"The Policy Governance Fieldbook is not a theoretical treatise, but a practical study. Its authors are concerned with real people in real organizations with real challenges.... It is the first book to start down what is surely to be a very long road. For that boldness, I am in its authors' debt. But more importantly, boards everywhere and those who rely on the integrity of governance--that means all of us--are in their debt as well."

--from the Foreword by John Carver

"Local elected officials and professional staff will find Carver's model provocative and intriguing. This practical guide is one of the best I have encountered. The useful tips at the And of each chapter are worth the price of the book."

--John Nalbandian, professor of public administration, University of Kansas

Boards all around the world have adopted the revolutionary Policy Governance principles to improve their leadership and performance. This fieldbook is the latest addition to growing literature on the landmark model. Endorsed with a foreword by John Carver, this practical, unflinching resource closely examines eleven diverse organizations that have implemented Policy Governance in the United States and Canada. The authors analyze what works--and what doesn't--in real world practice. The Policy Governance Fieldbook is for organizations considering, beginning to use, or already using Carver's principles. Readers will discover practical advice based on the real-life experiences of organizations that have tried and tested Policy Governance for themselves.

Each chapter is built around a user-friAndly, hands-on framework--first introducing a specific Policy Governance activity or challenge, exploring the experiences of boards that met this challenge, and then drawing key lessons from those experiences. Filled with tips and tools for implementation of key principles, the book is far from a theoretical treatise. It is a practical exploration of real organizations facing real challenges. The Policy Governance Fieldbook is an ideal guide for boards that are ready to lead their organizations to success.

CAROLINE OLIVER, the general editor, is founding president of The Leadership Team, a Canadian organization which focuses on board leadership issues. She has consulted with organizations in Canada and the United States, including United Kingdom organizations and national and European government committees. LINDA STIER Mike Conduff, Susan Edsall, Carol Gabanna, Randee Loucks, Denise Paszkiewicz, Catherine Raso, and Linda Stier represent a wide variety of governance experience in organizations across the nonprofit and public sectors. They are all trained in John Carver's Policy Governance principles. Their knowledge comes not only from working in organizations at board and CEO levels, but also from consulting, facilitating, and training others.

Foreword, John Carver.

The Principles of Policy Governance Explained.

HOW BOARDS GET STARTED WITH POLICY GOVERNANCE.

1. Exploring Policy Governance.

2. Deciding if Policy Governance is Right for Your Organization.

3. Beginning to Implement Policy Governance.

HOW BOARDS PUT POLICY GOVERNANCE TO WORK.

4. Developing Executive Limitations Policies.

5. Creating Ends Policies.

6. Identifying and Linking with Owners.

7. Monitoring Policies to Ensure Accountability.

HOW BOARDS KEEP POLICY GOVERNANCE GOING.

8. Staying on Track.

9. Bringing It All Together.

Resource A: Tool Finder for Board Development.

Resource B: Tool Finder for Group Process.

Resource C: Further Reading and Resources.

Resource D: The History of Policy Governance in Practice.

Resource E: About the Source Organizations.