Application
The governing body should ensure that it is provided with information that is fi t for
purpose. It should be tailored to the functions of the governing body (see 2.2) and not to
detailed operational or management issues, with which the governing body should not, in
general, be concerned. Information should provide a robust analysis and not obscure the
key information by including too much detail.
The governing body should ensure that information is directly relevant to the decisions it
has to take; is timely; is objective; and gives clear explanations of technical issues and
their implications. The governing body should also ensure that professional advice on
legal and fi nancial matters is available and used appropriately in its own decision making
and elsewhere throughout the organisation when decisions that have signifi cant legal or
fi nancial implications are taken.
The governing body should not be reluctant to use the organisation’s resources to provide
the information and advice that is needed for good governance. However, it should not
make disproportionate demands on the executive by asking for information that is not
necessary or appropriate for the governing body’s role. The governing body should arrive
at a judgement about its information needs in discussion with the executive.