Why strong governance models are essential for sustainable project success
Good governance is the backbone of effective project delivery – both before and after implementation. It ensures that systems are understood, leveraged, and maintained in ways that align with organisational goals.
Yet governance is often misunderstood.
For many, it represents change, complexity, or a challenge to the status quo.
But for organisations that value consistency, efficiency, and data integrity, governance is non-negotiable.
Governance Starts with Ownership
One of the most critical decisions in any governance model is ownership.
Who owns the system?
Who is accountable for its administration, process management, and evolution?
Clear ownership safeguards the investment made in core business systems and ensures that governance frameworks are fit for purpose.
Types of Governance
Governance typically spans three key domains:
- Information Governance
- Ensures data quality, consistency, and compliance
- Manages access, usage, and lifecycle of content
- Technical Governance
- Oversees system architecture, integrations, and performance
- Often managed through existing IT processes
- Project Governance
- Provides structure for decision-making, reporting, and stakeholder alignment
- Critical during delivery and post-launch phases
While technical governance can often be embedded into existing workflows, information and project governance require active, hands-on management.
Resourcing Governance Effectively
For governance to be respected and sustained, it must be resourced.
We recommend allocating a dedicated FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) responsible for:
- Content quality
- Process adherence
- User access management
- Ongoing product development and enhancement
This role ensures that governance isn’t just a framework – it’s a living, evolving discipline aligned with business needs and growth.
Final Thought
Governance isn’t bureaucracy – it’s strategic stewardship. When done well, it protects investments, drives consistency, and enables scalable success.
