Last updated: 06/11/2007

About the civil service

Civil Service boards

Each head of department or agency chief executive in the Civil Service is supported by a board, which provides collective leadership and takes ownership of performance.

Who sits on the boards?

As well as senior members of the department, each board should contain non-executive members from outside the department, to bring an independent perspective and constructively challenge all aspects of the board's work. They may also provide specialist skills and knowledge that improve the board's reasoning and operation. The use of independent board members ensures that the Civil Service benefits from best practice in other sectors of the economy.

Managing change

In every department and agency, situations change, people move on, and priorities constantly shift. What worked well for your board in the past may not be appropriate today.

To ensure that your board continues to remain effective, you should review its structure and performance on a regular basis. The links below contain information and advice on how to measure your board's performance, and ensure it remains effective.

Corporate governance

Corporate governance is the way in which organisations, including those in the Civil Service, are directed and controlled.

It defines the rights and responsibilities of stakeholders and the staff of the organisation, and determines rules and procedures for making decisions on corporate affairs - including the process through which the organisation's objectives are set. It also provides the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance.