Non-executive board members were brought in in their current form in 2010 to “make Government operate in a more business-like manner”. However, it is unclear whether the corporate governance of Whitehall still sits at the centre of their purpose and activities. The role of non-executive board members and lead non-executive board members are broadly defined in the Corporate Governance Code for Central Government Departments and the accompanying guidance note. However, our evidence suggests tha...

Non-executive board members were brought in in their current form in 2010 to “make Government operate in a more business-like manner”. However, it is unclear whether the corporate governance of Whitehall still sits at the centre of their purpose and activities. The role of non-executive board members and lead non-executive board members are broadly defined in the Corporate Governance Code for Central Government Departments and the accompanying guidance note. However, our evidence suggests that, in practice, how boards and NEDs are used is highly dependent on the relevant Secretary of State and often NEDs wield significantly more responsibilit Type: conclusion | Number: 1 | Paragraph: 18 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The Government has taken steps over the last 18 months to improve consistency as part of our response to the Declaration of Government Reform. We will continue to embed this approach and make further improvements where needed. Any additional adjust