Care well for what has been entrusted to you.
Stewardship is the responsibility to care for something of value on behalf of ourselves, others or the future.
Stewardship involves
Stewardship and assurance
Stewardship is the commitment to care well. Assurance is the process of gaining confidence that the care is effective. One without the other is incomplete.
Stewardship and governance
Governance establishes authority, rules and decision-making structures. Stewardship concerns the quality, purpose and consequences of how responsibility is exercised. Good governance can support stewardship, but compliance alone does not prove that something is being cared for well.
Layers of stewardship
Responsibility is rarely held by one party alone. Better is intended to help clarify who can influence a barrier at each layer.
- 01
Self
Choices, attention, health, learning and personal responsibility.
- 02
Relationships and family
Care, trust, communication and mutual support.
- 03
Communities
Belonging, shared resources and local action.
- 04
Service providers
Access, quality, responsiveness and outcomes.
- 05
Organisations
Employees, customers, capital, culture and impact.
- 06
Government and institutions
Infrastructure, law, public services, fairness and protection.
- 07
Society and humanity
Knowledge, social norms, environment and future generations.