Digital governance is a crucial part of effective compliance, yet it’s also easy to overlook. Many boards lack effective digital governance processes, leaving sensitive board data scattered across email, shared drives, and messages – including on personal devices – where it’s more vulnerable to data breaches.
Board portal software like Aprio can improve digital governance with a centralized, secure place for all board activity and information. With all your board’s digital tools in one place, you can establish effective digital governance processes and make best practices effortless for directors.
First, we’ll explore what digital governance is, and what makes it more important than ever for boards of all sizes.
What is digital governance, and why does it matter for boards?
Digital governance is the set of policies and processes that define how sensitive data is handled, stored, and shared, and it’s a subset of corporate governance. Below are a few examples of digital governance policies and the processes that support them:
- Data access and monitoring policies define how board members access sensitive data, and establish controls for monitoring their activity. This requires software with access controls and reporting tools.
- Secure meeting and communication protocols establish security standards for confidential board discussions and information sharing. Policies like these are easier with all-in-one software that limits the number of tools required for board meetings.
- Incident response plans help ensure boards can respond quickly and restore functionality during security breaches. Processes might include both security training and software with backups to restore sensitive data.
These policies and processes are crucial for cybersecurity and risk management, which is a growing concern for businesses; NACD reports that 68% of directors see these categories as important areas for board oversight improvement this year.
However, data governance initiatives need to strike a balance between security and efficient digital processes – and the right software can help establish this balance quickly and effectively.
How Aprio makes digital governance easier
Board portals like Aprio create a strong foundation for transparent, accountable boards that comply with digital governance initiatives. With comprehensive control over sensitive information, businesses can reduce risk – and government boards can develop processes that balance security with open data initiatives and other public policy.
Aprio offers a full suite of board management tools protected by the same globally recognized security standards. As a centralized hub for meeting management tools, task management tools, secure document management, and more, Aprio establishes a strong center for digital governance across board meeting processes.
Aprio also includes a few key features that enhance digital governance further.
Granular access controls
Aprio’s access controls include role-based and granular permissions to assign and restrict access to meeting materials, along with Document Digital Rights Management to prevent unauthorized printing, downloading, forwarding, or screenshots as necessary.
This makes sharing sensitive financial and government information safer, as documents stay protected even if they’re shared across jurisdictions or committees.
Reporting tools
Aprio administrators can access instant records of all board activity, including login activity, document views, changes, attendance, and votes – and download reports in a few clicks. This can help government boards comply with public policy frameworks that require them to maintain detailed records of governance activities.
Aprio includes comprehensive audit trails in its suite of reporting tools.
Multi-committee management
With flexible plans that include unlimited committees, boards with complex reporting structures can maintain the same digital governance practices across their entire organization. For example, a national government board working with a European level organization can create shared workspaces for different agencies, while maintaining control over sensitive documents.
Advanced security features
Security features like multi-factor authentication and single sign-on make access to Aprio more convenient and secure. Remote data wiping ensures that when devices are lost or stolen, administrators can lock them out of Aprio remotely to prevent data breaches before they happen.
However, digital governance isn’t just about security and control – it’s also about how digital assets are managed.
Empowering smarter decisions with better data access
Aprio’s document management features improve access to information, with advanced search capabilities that help directors find information faster. This includes past agendas and meeting materials that help new directors get up to speed.
Aprio’s agenda builders let administrators attach important documents to meeting agendas in a few clicks, so the most important information is always at hand during meetings. When directors spend less time searching, they’ll have more time to make an impact with informed, strategic decisions.
“We knew there had to be technology to work smarter as a health agency. We chose Aprio because it makes a director’s job easier than any other technology. Aprio’s desktop and tablet editions build on what’s familiar to directors – easy to find agendas, latest versions of critical documents, contacts and archives – everything they expect all well organized and absolutely secure.” – Health agency executive
Supporting remote and hybrid boards with better digital governance
The shift to remote and hybrid governance models has made digital governance more critical than ever. Aprio’s virtual board meeting software has all the features boards need to ensure remote work doesn’t compromise the effectiveness of digital governance.
That includes a user-friendly app that allows directors to access Aprio from any device, and access virtual meetings right from their dashboard. Board members can get important updates and notifications even as they travel, and can annotate documents on mobile. If they’re offline, any updates they make will automatically sync when they’re back online.
Simplify your board’s digital governance with Aprio
Ready to see why Aprio is a top choice for boards looking to improve their digital governance? Whether you’re managing sensitive government information, coordinating across multiple committees, or balancing transparency with security, Aprio’s comprehensive platform can help you develop effective digital governance practices.
Start a conversation today for a personalized tour of Aprio’s features to see how they align with your board’s priorities and digital governance needs.
