This paper summarizes the findings from an evaluation of the Locality Partnerships project. This project represented an attempt to introduce the principles of shared governance into a community health setting. Particular emphasis is given to the findings related to the involvement of staff in decision-making, communication and information flow, and the job satisfaction of staff. The paper finds that staff who had been most involved in the project reported improvements in all of these areas; however, there were no comparable gains for those staff who were less directly involved. In conclusion, it is suggested that although the principles of shared governance are in accordance with government policy this project saw their incomplete assimilation into the community health setting.