Executive Governance Templates¶
Reusable working artefacts supporting the frameworks in this repository. Adapt them to context; they are not universal prescriptions.
How to use the templates¶
Use only the artefacts needed for the decision and its level of materiality. The typical sequence is:
- Frame: describe the problem, users, intended outcome and baseline in the Initiative Canvas.
- Assess: identify mandatory obligations separately, then compare genuine discretionary options using the Weighted Scoring Matrix.
- Decide: document the rationale, authority, conditions and review trigger in the Decision Record.
- Mobilise and govern: clarify accountability with the RACI Matrix, establish decision forums where needed, and set tolerances and escalation routes.
- Measure and learn: define measures and benefit ownership, monitor adoption and outcomes, and use evidence to continue, change or stop.
This is a reference sequence, not a compulsory stage-gate process. The Executive Playbook explains how to adapt it.
Common documentation convention¶
Each template is structured around the practical questions relevant to its purpose. Where applicable, its opening guidance should make clear:
- Purpose: what the artefact is intended to support;
- When to use: the decision, lifecycle point or trigger for using it;
- How to use: the steps or completion guidance;
- Related materials: the relevant framework and companion artefacts;
- Example: an illustrative completed entry or worked example where this materially improves understanding.
Not every artefact needs identical headings. A checklist, register, scorecard and decision worksheet should retain the structure that makes it usable. The common convention is to provide consistent orientation without forcing unlike tools into the same format.
Template catalogue¶
| Template | Purpose |
|---|---|
| RACI matrix | Clarify roles and accountability |
| KPI dictionary | Define measures consistently |
| Benefit profile | Specify baseline, target, owner and attribution |
| Initiative canvas | Summarise the initiative mandate |
| Initiative canvas example | Illustrate a completed canvas using a fictional service-improvement scenario |
| Weighted scoring matrix | Compare discretionary options and show a fictional worked calculation |
| Decision record | Record a live decision using the playbook method |
| Decision record example | Show a completed fictional decision illustration |
| KPI reference | Define open-source, sustainability and AI/RAG measures |
| Governance forums | Define decision classes, forum remits and charters |
| Escalation and status | Set tolerances, write an escalation brief and report status |
| Strategic dependency register | Make cross-initiative dependencies, owners and exit options visible |
| Open-source assessment | Score options, review governance health, plan contribution and test exit readiness |
| AI/RAG use-case assessment | Assess a use case, register sources, plan evaluation and record decision gates |
| Infrastructure capacity decision | Compare capacity options and record energy, water and service assumptions |
| Executive checklists | Run copyable checks before decisions, at reviews and in operation |
The Initiative Canvas, Weighted Scoring Matrix and Decision Record are companion artefacts. The fictional Initiative Canvas example, scoring example and fictional Decision Record use an illustrative service-improvement scenario. All names, ratings and scenario details are invented for explanation; they are not actual organisational data, decisions or results.
Version: 1.1.0 · Status: Template collection · Licence: CC BY 4.0 · Reviewed: 2026-11-14
Contact¶
Feedback and suggestions are welcome.