When putting in place a dedicated function to carry out FOSS governance at BT we found it useful to create a manifesto, that positioned the team and it's activities within the context of the wider organisation and existing functions.
The manifesto text is below as a template, and as can be seen it is very brief. The intention here was not to specify policy or process Etc, nor to go into any of the operational details. But instead to simply outline the basic operating principles.
FOSS Governance Team ManifestoThe team exists to facilitate the effective adoption of FOSS technology and principles across <company>. It provides a service to anyone within <company> who requires guidance in connection with FOSS matters, and draws upon a knowledge base that takes into account:
- Internal policy
- Legal constraints and obligations
- Security considerations
- Supportability
- Shared best practice
- Community principles
- Relevant strategy
Wherever practical the team will seek to share knowledge and experiences with external agencies in an open manner, so as to not only directly benefit from any knowledge learned this way but to also visibly demonstrate intent through transparency.
The team will reuse capabilities and tools wherever this is practical and sensible. It will not seek to replace, subvert or undermine existing agencies, and will in contrast work in concert with them to effect outcomes that are in the interests of <company> and all concerned.