# Create a Governance Layer[¶](https://knowledge.dataiku.com/latest/courses/govern/centralize-prioritize/create-governance-layer.html#create-a-governance-layer "Permalink to this headline")

## Background[¶](https://knowledge.dataiku.com/latest/courses/govern/centralize-prioritize/create-governance-layer.html#background "Permalink to this headline")

Before you govern your first item, it is useful to understand the hierarchy of Dataiku items and how they are governed. Take a moment to understand this tree diagram that shows an example item hierarchy including some governance layers.

You can govern any Dataiku item by adding a governance layer to it.

If you govern a project, you have the option to add a governance layer to all of its children.

If you choose to govern a model, model version, or bundle, you will not have to govern other items at the same level of the tree. However, each parent item will have to be governed.

Note

Be aware that Business Initiatives are not Dataiku items that can be governed. However, they remain at the top of our information hierarchy.

## Govern Items[¶](https://knowledge.dataiku.com/latest/courses/govern/centralize-prioritize/create-governance-layer.html#govern-items "Permalink to this headline")

Remember that each item row has a *Govern Status*. This will either show you a preview of its status in a govern workflow, or it will display a **Govern** button.

If you decide to govern an item, you can click this **Govern** button to get started. You can also click the **Govern** button in the right Details panel.

A window will appear asking you to choose some initial govern configurations, as shown here:

Clicking **Govern** on this window will create a new Govern artifact where you can choose a workflow, add project qualifications, and connect a business initiative if applicable.
