Public Sector Governance

This one-day course offers participants a thorough grounding in public sector governance issues, from the responsibilities of board members to the application of established governance principles to the public sector.

BACKGROUND: More than 450,000 people contribute as governors to a wide range of UK public service organisations and partnerships, and total public expenditure is well in excess of £500 billion each year. Good governance of public entities is critically important. While there are many close similarities between private and public sector governance, the public sector poses special challenges that have led to the development of tailored approaches.

This course focusses on these special challenges, and provides attendees with the ability to benchmark their own organisation against best practice.

COURSE CONTENT

• The design of public sector boards, board responsibilities and the responsibilities of board members
• The role of accounting officers and others in public entity governance
• Board committees - and practical advice on making them effective
• Public bodies' attitudes to risk and risk management
• Principles (including those of openness, integrity, accountability) and how they apply to public bodies
• Important standards and pronouncements, including:
  • The Nolan Principles of Public Life
  • The Good Governance Standard for Public Services (The 2004 Langlands Report)
  • Corporate Governance in Central Government Departments: Code of Good Practice (HM Treasury, 2005)
  • The Audit Committee Handbook, and Policy Principles for Audit Committees (HM Treasury, 2007)