Abstract
Objectives: To outline the principles of continuous quality improvement that can be utilized to develop a clinical governance framework in a mental health service.
Conclusions: The term clinical governance is used to describe the framework through which health organizations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care. Implementing a clinical governance framework requires clear leadership, particularly clinical leadership, the development of structures and processes to facilitate communication and the development of systems for monitoring and evaluating services. Effective implementation can be supported by the development of an open culture that promotes organizational learning from experience and supporting innovation.