This standard ensures guardrails are co-designed by the people closest to the work, making them relevant, effective, and trusted. It fosters shared responsibility for safety without imposing top-down controls.
Aligned to our "Guardrails, Not Gates" policy, this standard strengthens autonomy, builds alignment, and increases adoption of safety practices. Without it, guardrails risk being ignored, misaligned, or seen as blockers.
Level 1 – Initial: Guardrails are rarely defined or are imposed top-down without input from delivery teams. Adoption is low and enforcement inconsistent.
Level 2 – Managed: Some teams begin contributing to the design of guardrails, but participation is limited and not part of a structured process. Guardrails may still be seen as external constraints.
Level 3 – Defined: Guardrails are co-designed with input from delivery teams and subject matter experts. Processes are documented, and teams are empowered to tailor them to context.
Level 4 – Quantitatively Managed: Co-designed guardrails are tracked for usage, impact, and effectiveness. Feedback loops ensure they evolve with team needs and system changes.
Level 5 – Optimising: Guardrail design is embedded in continuous improvement practices. Teams regularly refine them based on outcomes, and shared ownership fosters a culture of proactive safety and autonomy.