Policy Governance^® was created by John Carver in the mid-1970s as a response to nonprofit boards as well, then--with only minimal adjustment--to boards of business corporations.  Although some material on boards had been published at that time and even more by the mid-1990's, nothing else addresses the need for a theory of governance as does the Policy Governance model.

Because of the pervasive nature of traditional governance, the Policy Governance^® model was slow to catch on.  Years of slow, plodding work with the bolder boards--those willing to try an idea merely because it made sense rather than because of its popularity--finally established a position for Policy Governance in the minds of many boards an CEOs.  Yet in 2001 there are still very consultants able to explain and help implement this new approach.  There are many consultants and academics who partially understand the model, but a partial model is no model at all.  What Policy Governance has to offer is its conceptual coherence, mot its tips, its hints, or its new language for the governance process.

The Policy Governance^® Academy™ is designed to give consultants and other governance leaders a hands-on experience with John and Miriam Carver for parts of five consecutive days. The experience is intended to provide understanding of concepts and techniques to equip leaders for greater service in bringing this model of board leadership to fruition. John and Miriam Carver's continued publishing will serve as a backup to the demand for this service.  This demand has swept North America and compelled a need for more consultants able to help of all types.