Collection

Public Bodies Non-Executive Directors: Principles and Standards

This guidance sets out the standards for those that serve on the boards of public bodies, and how they can best support effective working relationships with departments.

The guidance on this page sets out the roles, expectations and responsibilities, for all public body Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). It also sets out the conduct, good practice, and the principles that underpin effective working relationships and good governance.

NEDs, also known in the context of arm’s-length bodies (ALBs) as non-executive board members, play a critical role in leading public bodies. NEDs are appointed to the boards of organisations to bring independence, impartiality, wide experience, special knowledge and personal qualities. NEDs are expected to act in an independent manner bringing expertise, scrutiny and challenge, and support their organisations in delivering better outcomes for the public

Guidance

The following guidance is useful for NEDs in discharging their roles and responsibilities, and for working effectively with sponsoring departments.

Further resources for NEDs

Further guidance and resources for NEDs, and prospective NEDs, are available from HM Government Public Appointments. Here you can find information on vacancies, the LinkedIn NED network, and the Public Appointments’ twitter page.

Further guidance is available on sponsorship and guidance for departments is available.

Updates to this page

Published 11 March 2021