Updates on Movement toward Policy Governence

In my earlier blogs I talked about how the DEC Board is moving toward Policy Governance and thought I'd just share a few phrases and quotes that are helping me to think about our efforts and the implications for our members.

So in a nutshell what is Policy Governance (PG)? 

Policy Governance is a model that promotes accountable leadership and is a "transition" or a "transformation" from habitual practices to thoughtful principles
Can't remember which book I was reading - but another comment that struck me was "Systems are changed only after the new system is carefully constructed."

The DEC Board has for sure been engaged in constructing a new system and we're now in the process of finalizing our policies and determining how to best implement and monitor the new system so we truly transform to a Board that engages in accountable leadership.

Owners and the Board

A critical component of PG is the relationship and obligation the Board has with its owners. For DEC that means our member (i.e., members are owners).

• PG ensures a downward extension of ownership rather than an upward extension of management.
• Board leadership governs on behalf of our owners and represents the voice of owners.
• Board members are to make decisions in the best interest of owners vs. staff, other agencies, existing or potential consumers, or its own self interests.

"To put the Policy Governance system into practice, boards have to identify the difference their owners want their organization to make, not in terms of what the organization is going to do but in terms of the impact it is going to have on people's lives" (Oliver, 2009. p. 6).

I hope the comments provided in today's blog entry help our owners begin to understand the direction DEC is headed and we welcome input, questions, comments etc.

References:
Oliver, C. (2009). Bringing purpose, integrity, and efficiency to your board. San Fransisco: Jossey-Bass.