diff --git a/.githooks/pre-commit b/.githooks/pre-commit
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..80019f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.githooks/pre-commit
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+set -euo pipefail
+
+REPO_ROOT="$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)"
+CHANGED="$(git diff --cached --name-only)"
+
+if ! printf '%s\n' "$CHANGED" | grep -Eq '^(\.github/|README\.md|CONTRIBUTING\.md|SECURITY\.md)'; then
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+echo "[pre-commit] .github policy checks"
+
+python3 - <<'PY'
+from pathlib import Path
+import sys
+import yaml
+
+root = Path.cwd()
+errors = []
+for workflow in sorted((root / ".github" / "workflows").glob("*.yml")):
+    try:
+        yaml.safe_load(workflow.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    except Exception as exc:  # noqa: BLE001
+        errors.append(f"{workflow.name}: {exc}")
+
+for tmpl in sorted((root / ".github" / "ISSUE_TEMPLATE").glob("*.md")):
+    text = tmpl.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    if not text.startswith("---"):
+        errors.append(f"{tmpl.name}: missing YAML frontmatter block")
+
+if errors:
+    for err in errors:
+        print(err)
+    sys.exit(1)
+PY
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/first_contribution.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/first_contribution.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3bdbbce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/first_contribution.md
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+---
+name: "First Contribution"
+about: "Scoped onboarding issue for first-time contributors"
+title: "[FIRST-CONTRIB] "
+labels: ["good first issue"]
+assignees: []
+---
+
+## Outcome
+
+What concrete outcome should be achieved?
+
+## Scope
+
+Which files/modules are in scope? Keep scope constrained.
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+
+- [ ] Criteria are explicit and testable
+- [ ] Required validation commands are listed
+- [ ] Estimated completion time is under one focused day
+
+## Validation Commands
+
+List commands a contributor must run before opening a PR.
+
+## Notes for Reviewer
+
+Any constraints, caveats, or context a reviewer should know.
diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 243fd58..ba03967 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -15,4 +15,7 @@ Brief description of the changes.
 - [ ] My code follows the project's style guidelines
 - [ ] I have performed a self-review
 - [ ] I have added tests that prove my fix/feature works
-- [ ] New and existing tests pass locally
\ No newline at end of file
+- [ ] New and existing tests pass locally
+- [ ] I ran the relevant repo validation command(s)
+- [ ] No secrets or credentials were added
+- [ ] Related issue is linked with explicit acceptance criteria
diff --git a/BRANCH_PROTECTION_BASELINE.md b/BRANCH_PROTECTION_BASELINE.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5f264d3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/BRANCH_PROTECTION_BASELINE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+# Branch Protection Baseline
+
+Apply this baseline to default branches (`main`) for all ORGAN-V repositories.
+
+## Required Settings
+
+1. Require a pull request before merging.
+2. Require approvals: minimum 1.
+3. Dismiss stale approvals when new commits are pushed.
+4. Require conversation resolution before merge.
+5. Require status checks to pass before merge.
+6. Restrict force-pushes and deletion on protected branches.
+7. Require linear history (optional but recommended).
+
+## Required Status Checks (by repo)
+
+### `public-process`
+- `Public Process CI / validate`
+
+### `essay-pipeline`
+- `Essay Pipeline CI / test`
+
+### `analytics-engine`
+- `Analytics Engine CI / test` (or equivalent job name in workflow)
+
+### `reading-observatory`
+- `Reading Observatory CI / test` (or equivalent job name in workflow)
+
+### `editorial-standards`
+- `Editorial Standards CI / validate` (or equivalent job name in workflow)
+
+### `.github`
+- `ORGAN-V CI Minimal / validate` (or equivalent job name in workflow)
+
+## Ownership
+
+- Repo admin applies settings.
+- Any exception requires linked issue + explicit expiry date.
diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index eb945f3..b4088e4 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -18,3 +18,11 @@
 
 *Last synced: 2026-02-24T12:41:28Z*
 <!-- ORGANVM:AUTO:END -->
+
+
+## ⚡ Conductor OS Integration
+This repository is a managed component of the ORGANVM meta-workspace.
+- **Orchestration:** Use `conductor patch` for system status and work queue.
+- **Lifecycle:** Follow the `FRAME -> SHAPE -> BUILD -> PROVE` workflow.
+- **Governance:** Promotions are managed via `conductor wip promote`.
+- **Intelligence:** Conductor MCP tools are available for routing and mission synthesis.
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index e57ac7e..e506267 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -20,6 +20,13 @@ This organization covers: Essays, process documentation, methodology writing.
 4. **Write tests** — maintain or improve coverage
 5. **Submit a PR** with clear description of changes
 
+### First-Time Contribution Path
+
+1. Pick an issue labeled `good first issue`.
+2. Confirm scope, validation commands, and acceptance criteria before coding.
+3. Keep changes focused; avoid cross-repo refactors on first contribution.
+4. Run local validation commands listed in the issue/README.
+
 ### What We Accept
 
 - Bug fixes with tests
@@ -42,12 +49,19 @@ Essay contributions must include YAML frontmatter (title, author, date, tags, ca
 - Python: PEP 8, type hints, f-strings
 - Tests required for all new functionality
 - Commit messages: imperative mood, <72 chars title
+- README structure must follow [README standards](README_STANDARDS.md)
 
 ## Getting Help
 
 - Open an Issue for questions
 - Check existing documentation in each repo's README
 
+## Review Service Targets
+
+- Initial maintainer response: within 3 business days
+- Review response after updates: within 3 business days
+- Merge decision after approval: within 2 business days
+
 ---
 
 *Part of the [organvm eight-organ system](https://github.com/meta-organvm)*
diff --git a/GEMINI.md b/GEMINI.md
index eb945f3..b4088e4 100644
--- a/GEMINI.md
+++ b/GEMINI.md
@@ -18,3 +18,11 @@
 
 *Last synced: 2026-02-24T12:41:28Z*
 <!-- ORGANVM:AUTO:END -->
+
+
+## ⚡ Conductor OS Integration
+This repository is a managed component of the ORGANVM meta-workspace.
+- **Orchestration:** Use `conductor patch` for system status and work queue.
+- **Lifecycle:** Follow the `FRAME -> SHAPE -> BUILD -> PROVE` workflow.
+- **Governance:** Promotions are managed via `conductor wip promote`.
+- **Intelligence:** Conductor MCP tools are available for routing and mission synthesis.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 533f996..d414be0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,2 +1,9 @@
 # .github
 Organization profile and community health files
+
+## Included Governance Assets
+
+- Issue templates and PR template defaults
+- Organization-level workflows
+- [Branch protection baseline](BRANCH_PROTECTION_BASELINE.md)
+- [README standards](README_STANDARDS.md)
diff --git a/README_STANDARDS.md b/README_STANDARDS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e54ae77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README_STANDARDS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+# README Standards Overlay (ORGAN-V Logos)
+
+This document is an organ-level overlay for README policy in `organvm-v-logos`.
+
+## Canonical Upstream
+
+Canonical full standards live in:
+- `meta-organvm/.github/README_STANDARDS.md`
+
+This overlay can add stricter local requirements but cannot weaken upstream
+requirements.
+
+## Local Profiles
+
+Use the profile that matches the repository type.
+
+### Profile A: Governance Repo (`.github`)
+
+Required:
+- `#` title
+- `## Included Governance Assets`
+- links to org governance docs (for example branch protection baseline)
+
+### Profile B: Flagship Narrative Repo (`public-process`)
+
+Required:
+- `#` title
+- `## Introduction`
+- `## Methodology`
+- `## Lessons Learned`
+
+### Profile C: Code/Automation Repos
+
+Applies to:
+- `essay-pipeline`
+- `editorial-standards`
+- `analytics-engine`
+- `reading-observatory`
+
+Required:
+- `#` title
+- one context section: `## Overview` or `## Current State` or `## Introduction`
+- one execution section: `## Development` or `## Setup` or `## Getting Started`
+
+Recommended:
+- `## Architecture`
+- `## Testing` and/or validation commands
+- CI badge near top
+
+## Enforcement
+
+Local minimum checks are enforced by:
+
+```bash
+./tools/audit_platform_standards.sh
+```
+
+Violations must be fixed in the same PR or tracked in a linked issue with owner
+and due date.