Public Sector Governance - A Guide to the Principles of Good Practice

Why the Emphasis on Governance?

Governance deals with the structures and processes by which an organization is directed, controlled and held to account. Proper governance provides the means to help an organization achieve its goals and objectives.

The achievement of good governance is important for every public sector organization, including ministries, Crown agencies, health authorities and school boards, among others. Many of government's programs and services also cut across organizational or jurisdictional boundaries and if they are to be delivered in a seamless way then good governance needs to be in place.

The principles and ideas discussed here apply to cross-government initiatives as much as to individual public sector organizations. You may also wish to read our brochure for an overview of public sector governance principles.

"Government agrees that good governance is essential to the success of organizations, regardless of whether they are in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors."
Government of BC response to the Office of the Auditor General of British Columbia report, "Public Sector Governance: A Guide to the Principles of Good Practice" (p. 39)