The Governance Compass™
Helping leaders align structure, roles, and relationships – so complexity doesn’t get in the way of clarity.
Where it all began
I first developed this framework at Yancoal, where we had to align a lean corporate centre with ten highly independent mine sites. We needed clarity – not control. A way to define how HR would operate across the enterprise without micromanaging every decision.
The HR Governance Framework became that solution – defining decision rights, clarifying roles, setting behavioural expectations, and building trust.
It worked. So well, in fact, that it was adapted across finance, marketing, and other functions. The result? Consistency where it mattered, autonomy where it counted.
What it looks like
Every organisation needs different degrees of alignment. But the Governance Compass™ usually includes:
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- A clear decision-rights matrix
- Agreed role boundaries between corporate and site/business units
- Shared working principles and expectations
- Simple governance rhythms (e.g. monthly forums, escalation rules)
- Behavioural norms that link structure and culture
It’s not about bureaucracy. It’s about building clarity you can scale.
“When structure is clear, people stop second-guessing and start performing.
The Governance Compass™ doesn’t just organise decision rights – it builds the confidence and trust that make alignment real.”
Why it works
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- Reduces friction and confusion
- Aligns behaviours with business structure
- Strengthens trust across functions and levels
- Accelerates decision-making and execution
- Supports cultural consistency and strategic clarity
Why it works
-
- Reduces friction and confusion
- Aligns behaviours with business structure
- Strengthens trust across functions and levels
- Accelerates decision-making and execution
- Supports cultural consistency and strategic clarity
“When structure is clear, people stop second-guessing and start performing.
The Governance Compass™ doesn’t just organise decision rights – it builds the confidence and trust that make alignment real.”
Who it’s for
The Governance Compass™ is ideal for:
Executives leading multi-site or matrixed organisations
Corporate functions navigating autonomy vs. alignment
HR, Finance, Safety, Marketing, and other enabling functions
Boards seeking clarity on oversight and decision rights
Want to explore it in your organisation
I work with executive teams, functional leaders, and boards to apply the Governance Compass™ to real-world challenges – from redesign to reset.
Let’s talk about what clarity could look like for you.