Governance Reviews
Education builds capability.
Reviews identify system issues.
Advisory interprets authority.
A governance review is oversight — not training.
Training improves knowledge. A governance review evaluates reality.
Governance Optimizer reviews examine how a board or council actually governs — its structure, processes, behaviour, and decision-making patterns.
When Governance Reviews Are Needed
Boards and councils seek governance reviews when:
- meetings have become tense, unproductive, or unpredictable
- authority is being questioned or blurred
- decisions are challenged or unclear
- bylaws or procedures are not being followed
- roles between the board and administration are confused
- reputational or relationship damage is emerging
Positive reframe line:
Requesting a governance review is a sign of leadership maturity and organizational responsibility.
What a Governance Review Examines
A Governance Optimizer review may assess:
- governance structure and bylaws
- procedural integrity and meeting practice
- officer function and chair authority
- decision-making processes
- role clarity and boundaries
- communication and reporting lines
- policy governance and implementation
- culture and conduct in the boardroom
A Structured Review Process
Each governance review typically includes:
- Document analysis
- Governance interviews or conversations
- Meeting observation (where applicable)
- System evaluation
- Written findings
- Prioritized recommendations
- Final briefing or discussion of results
Types of Governance Reviews
Governance Health Check
A focused review to identify early warning signs and key vulnerabilities.
Governance Deep Review
A comprehensive evaluation of governance structure, processes, and behaviour, including documented findings and a mapped set of recommendations.
Governance Reset
A deep review plus guided governance realignment and support to stabilize authority, roles, and decision processes.