Principles of good governance
The standard comprises six core principles of good governance, each with its supporting principles
1. Good governance means focusing on the organisation’s purpose and on outcomes for citizens and service users
The concept of ‘public value’ can be helpful when thinking about the unique purpose of public services and therefore of their governance. Public value refers to the things that public services produce, either directly or indirectly, using public money. Public value includes: outcomes (such as improved health and improved safety); services (such as primary care services and policing); and trust in public governance.
2. Good governance means performing effectively in clearly defined functions and roles
Good governance requires all concerned to be clear about the functions of governance and their own roles and responsibilities and those of others, and to behave in ways that are consistent with those roles. Being clear about one’s own role, and how it relates to that of others, increases the chance of performing the role well. Clarity about roles also helps all stakeholders to understand how the governance system works and who is accountable for what.
3. Good governance means promoting values for the whole organisation and demonstrating the values of good governance through behavior
Good governance flows from a shared ethos or culture, as well as from systems and structures. It cannot be reduced to a set of rules, or achieved fully by compliance with a set of requirements. This spirit or ethos of good governance can be expressed as values and demonstrated in behaviour. Good governance builds on the seven principles for the conduct of people in public life that were established by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. Known as the Nolan principles, these are: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.