I am responsible: Your role in clinical governance
A common misconception about clinical governance is that it’s only for clinicians or those responsible for governance (i.e. The Board). But don’t let the name fool you.
In healthcare, keeping the people who are receiving care safe is not the responsibility of just one person, team, or department. It’s also not just the responsibility of those delivering the care—it falls on all of us. Whether you’re in leadership, at the point-of-care, or supporting the care process behind the scenes, you have a role to play in ensuring that the people being cared for in your organisation are safe.
AICG embraces the mantra "I am responsible" when it comes to clinical governance. This reflects a culture where everyone in the organisation—whether directly or indirectly involved in care delivery—takes personal ownership of their role in ensuring the well-being and safety of everyone. You can read more about the impact and importance of “I am responsible” here.
But how exactly do you contribute? The answer lies in the everyday actions you take:
boards
Boards are pivotal in shaping the expectations for safe and quality care. By using the Clinical Governance framework as a vehicle, they set the culture for accountability and responsibility at the top. Their leadership ensures an organisation-wide commitment to quality.
executives
Executives take the framework and turn it into action. By enabling people and systems, they operationalise Clinical Governance to drive change. They empower, foster a positive culture, and ensure ongoing monitoring and improvement.
managers
Managers are at the heart of change implementation. They organise, develop, and guide staff by providing tools like standards and systems. Managers create the environment necessary to deliver safe, high-quality care.
point-of-care clinicians and care staff
The point-of-care team, including clinicians and care staff, makes change happen. They are the face of care, creating the point-of-care experience through their skills, behaviour, and monitoring to ensure continuous improvement.
support staff
From human resources to catering and cleaning, support staff are vital in enabling point-of-care teams to deliver quality care. By assisting clinicians and care teams, they ensure a seamless and safe care experience.
This collaborative model reminds us that clinical governance isn’t isolated—it is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re setting the vision as a board member, developing systems as an executive, or delivering care, every role matters. Together, we can create a healthcare system where excellence is the norm and safety is our shared priority.