We argue that principles from the design of dependable software, especially separation of concerns and the use of formality, can be applied beneficially in the construction of self-managing systems. We illustrate this approach by presenting an experimental architecture for dynamic and resilient computer-based systems which utilises component metadata to govern reconfigurations in accordance with formally stated policies. Initial experiments with the architecture are described. We argue that the architecture describes a self-organising system and, further, provides a basis for self-managing systems.