Collaboration three lines

The ideal arrangement of the three lines

The ideal layout of the three lines is the one that adds the most value to the organization. Different choices can be made, depending on whether a certain setup is required (e.g. by a regulator) or not. One ideal set-up of the three lines does not exist and can differ from one organization to another, fitting the specific context and risks of the organization. The three lines model (before July 2020 still called the Three lines of Defense model) offers more flexibility and possibilities than many people think. However, sometimes we see that people unjustifiably "lock" themselves within principles or imaginary rules.

The goal is to set up the three lines based on conscious choices, striving for maximum added value for the organizational goals. Efficiently and thus without overlap, which, incidentally, we see occurring particularly in monitoring activities.

In practice, we achieve your ideal situation across two lines. First, a 'hard' line, which pays attention to positioning, explicit roles, division of tasks and reporting lines, among other things. Second, a 'soft line,' which pays attention to cooperation, consultation, 'counterforce,' understanding of each other, knowledge exchange and influence, among other things. Only when both the hard and soft lines come together properly do we see an ideal situation occur.

ARC People can support you in the following areas:

• Evaluating your design of the three lines, based on a GRC scan developed by ARC People.
• Providing concrete advice on the (re)design of your three lines.
• Adapting the layout of your three lines, jointly with you, in co-creation.

Our support is provided by knowledgeable and enthusiastic professionals with extensive experience within the Governance field, in the main GRC functions (Audit, Risk, Compliance, Control, et cetera). Please do not hesitate to contact Carlo Bavius or Sander van Oosten for more information.