Accountability & Governance for Arm’s Length Bodies

This one-day course is designed to give participants the knowledge needed to understand the role of both the board and the Accounting Officer in an Arm’s- Length Body as well as the governance standards that apply to ALB.

The course explains the rationale for arm’s length bodies, latest government policy regarding the relationship between sponsor departments and ALB, and best practice with regard to departmental oversight. The course addresses all of the essential governance requirements for those working in and with ALB.

Accountability & Governance for Arm's Length Bodies is from our signature Accountability & Governance series. At the Civil Service College, we tailor our courses to each participants’s role and organisation, ensuring that each participant gets the most out of the training. Our courses and trainers are continuously updated and evaluated to ensure that we are always delivering the best service possible. 

Key Training Features

Who Can Attend

Learning Outcome

Key Training Features:

• The rationale for ALBs
• The ALB landscape with reference to the different types of ALB and the concept of operating at arm’s length
• The governance oversight role of the sponsoring department (including the concepts of risk-based oversight and proportionate autonomy)
• Current government policy with regard to partnership relationships and regular reviews of ALB
• The applicability of Managing Public Money in the ALB context
• The proper conduct of public business
• The role of the ALB Accounting Officer and their relationship with the Principal AO
• The role of the ALB Board and audit and risk assurance committee
• Current developments in ALB governance

Who Can Attend:

This course is equally suitable for non-executive board members and middle/senior managers in any arm’s length public body (including entities such as public corporations and unclassified public bodies). Whilst the course is not aimed solely at those responsible for departmental sponsorship of ALBs it will provide a very useful introduction/refresher to the oversight responsibilities of the partnership team in the sponsor department.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the different types of ALB and key aspects of the relationship between ALB and their sponsoring departments. The course provides the opportunity to focus on public sector governance and accountability arrangements and how these might differ from a private sector entity as well as a better understanding and appreciation of the governance responsibilities of board members and senior managers (including the Accounting Officer). Attendees will also gain a good insight into the fiduciary duties of public servants as expressed in Managing Public Money and other central government guidance which relates to ALB.

View course outline