11. Governance principles

The following principles underpin the governance of the e-GIF and its operation:

- The e-GIF will align with the E-government Strategy and the recommendations of the Review of the Centre.

- There will be a clear chain of accountability flowing from a Cabinet Minister with appropriate portfolio responsibilities.

- Adequate organisational resources and capabilities must support the governance arrangements.

- The governance arrangements will be consistent with public sector legal requirements.

- The principles of stewardship and custodianship apply, as set out in the Policy Framework of Government-held Information [CAB (98) M 22/27 refers].

- Roles, responsibilities and accountabilities will be clear.

- The governance arrangements will build confidence in, and commitment to, the e-GIF from all its stakeholders.

- With regard to the day-to-day operation of the e-GIF, the governance arrangements will show a close fit with the responsibilities and capabilities of the organisations involved.

- The processes for maintaining, developing and implementing the e-GIF should be inclusive and as consensual as possible.

- The governance arrangements must account for the complexity of e-government stakeholders and operating environments.

- Agencies that are required to adopt the e-GIF will be given the opportunity to participate in its governance.

- Agencies that are required to adopt the e-GIF will have access to a process for raising concerns over decisions made by the Steward or the Management Committee.

- The collective interests of government should be balanced with the interests of individual agencies and their stakeholders. Where this is not possible, the collective interest should be given the greater priority.

- Decision-making processes will be transparent.