This paper summarises a conference that took place at the Royal College of Physicians about the work of the Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit (CEEu) and the National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions (NCC-CC). The importance of the clinical standards, audit, and evidence-based guidelines and their contribution to the clinical governance arena was acknowledged. In addition, consideration was given to the fact that information provision alone does not change clinician behaviour. Multifaceted strategies are discussed and lessons learnt examined. The CEEu and NCC-CC have made significant contributions at a national level in the development of clinical governance.