Building a GRC Program from the Ground Up


Implementing Governance Risk and Compliance in any organization is more than a documentation task. It is a strategic initiative that requires structure alignment and engagement. Whether starting from a blank slate or formalizing ad-hoc efforts this approach outlines how to build a strong GRC foundation that supports operational maturity.
Step 1
Start with discovery not documentation
Begin by understanding how the organization currently operates. This means identifying where processes live who owns them and how they are actually carried out. Focus on reality not assumptions.
What to do
Interview key stakeholders
Review any existing documents or historical practices
Map out workflows visually
Note compliance requirements already in place
This step ensures your GRC framework is based on what is really happening rather than what is assumed to be happening.
Step 2
Begin with one area of focus
Trying to address all risks and processes at once can dilute impact. Start with a core area such as change management vendor risk or access control. Use it as a pilot to refine your methodology.
Example
Change management is often a good entry point because it affects multiple departments and introduces immediate governance benefits. This includes approval logic role accountability and risk visibility.
Step 3
Define and standardize repeatable processes
Once your pilot area is chosen define clear repeatable processes that support governance goals. These should be easy to follow and scalable across teams.
Include
Documented workflows
Clear roles and ownership
Approval paths and decision points
A basic risk scoring method
Use collaboration tools to support this structure. Common platforms include Jira Service Management Confluence SharePoint and Excel.
Step 4
Build organizational engagement
Without internal support governance efforts will stall. Engage teams by showing the practical benefits of GRC rather than emphasizing compliance alone.
Best practices
Connect initiatives to business outcomes
Use plain language and avoid jargon
Create lightweight training and onboarding resources
Ask for feedback early and often
Adoption is more likely when people understand how governance helps their role function better.
Step 5
Centralize everything into a governance hub
Once processes are documented and in use create a central location for governance assets. This will support transparency cross-functional access and long-term sustainability.
Your hub can include
Standard operating procedures
Risk and control matrices
Ownership directories
Policy tracking and review schedules
Whether hosted in Confluence SharePoint or Notion this centralized space becomes your source of truth for internal use and audit readiness.
Launching a GRC function from the ground up is both a strategic challenge and a growth opportunity. The goal is not to create more paperwork. The goal is to make operations smarter more resilient and easier to scale.
Focus on what matters start small and deliver clarity at every step.
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Written by

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA
Neviar Rawlinson, MBA
IT GRC & Process Improvement Analyst