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Digital Handbook Principles

Clarity

Definition: Ensure all governance artefacts are clearly defined and easily understood by all stakeholders.

Purpose: To eliminate ambiguity and ensure consistent understanding and application across the organisation.

Accessibility

Definition: Make governance artefacts easily accessible to all relevant stakeholders.

Purpose: To ensure that everyone can refer to the guidelines, policies, and standards when needed, promoting adherence.

Consistency

Definition: Ensure that all governance artefacts are consistent with each other and with the organisation’s overall strategy and goals.

Purpose: To provide a coherent framework that guides decision-making and actions.

Relevance

Definition: Tailor governance artefacts to address the specific needs and context of the organisation.

Purpose: To ensure that guidelines, policies, and standards are practical and applicable to real-world scenarios.

Adaptability

Definition: Design governance artefacts to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and evolving needs.

Purpose: To allow for continuous improvement and responsiveness to new challenges and opportunities.

Accountability

Definition: Assign clear responsibilities and accountability for adherence to governance artefacts.

Purpose: To ensure that there is ownership and oversight, promoting compliance and effective implementation.

Inclusivity

Definition: Involve a diverse group of stakeholders in the development and review of governance artefacts.

Purpose: To ensure that different perspectives are considered, promoting fairness and comprehensiveness.

Transparency

Definition: Communicate the purpose, development process, and content of governance artefacts openly.

Purpose: To build trust and ensure that all stakeholders understand and support the governance framework.

Measurability

Definition: Define clear metrics and benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of governance artefacts.

Purpose: To enable regular assessment and improvement of governance practices.

Compliance

Definition: Ensure that all governance artefacts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Purpose: To avoid legal issues and maintain the organisation’s reputation and integrity.

Proportionality

Definition: Apply governance measures that are proportionate to the scale, complexity, and risk level of the project or activity.

Purpose: To ensure that governance practices are effective and efficient, avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy while maintaining adequate oversight and control.

This page was last reviewed on 1 May 2026.