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.
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Public bodies Non-Executive Director Principles
The Principles set out the roles, expectations and responsibilities for all public body Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). These Principles will be used by current and prospective Public Body NEDs, and those working with them.
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Code of conduct for board members of public bodies
The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK government departments, non-ministerial departments, executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies, and national public corporations.
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Partnerships with arm’s length bodies: code of good practice
This code of good practice provides a set of principles and standards for departments and ALBs to establish effective working relationships.
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Corporate governance code for central government departments
This code lays out the policy for corporate governance in central government departments. ALBs are encouraged to adopt the principles in this code wherever relevant and practical.
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.