Governance Assessment Process
The Governance Assessment Process (GAP) is a cross-sector standard for monitoring the governance of third sector organisations validated by the Governance Forum. The process is regularly reviewed by the Council of the Governance Forum to ensure that it meets the requirements for compliance with relevant legislation, and they endorse the process. The GAP review and diagnostic assessment is suitable for all public and third sector organisations.
The process starts with a review and comprehensive diagnostic assessment of an organisation’s governance arrangements, focusing on the areas of the board’s resources, competency and execution. It also involves a high-level audit to determine whether essential documents exist and have been externally verified. A Governance Development Plan is then created which provides a list of priorities for action to ensure the continuous development and maintenance of the governance function. Following this stage, organisations are required to make a pledge to developing the board and associated governance systems.
At the completion of process a validated certificate is awarded to participating organisations with the opportunity to benefit from independent advice. During the GAP the organisation would have been supported in carrying out a self-assessment of their current level of governance compliance. A full external governance audit can be carried out at a later date, if required, to provide evidence of compliance to a funder, regulator or other third party.
