Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Deferred
Require Lead Non-Executive to report on Code compliance, detailing departmental breakdowns and departures
Conclusion
The Government Lead Non-Executive should provide a report on compliance with the Corporate Governance Code in the Government Lead Non-Executive Annual Report. This would cover all aspects of the Code, such as attendance at board meetings, whether fair and open recruitment practices have been followed, the management of conflicts of interest, and whether board effectiveness evaluations have been carried out. Information should be broken down by department and departments should also justify any departures from the Code in the governance statements of their annual report and accounts. (Paragraph 70) The Role of Non-Executive Directors in Government 37
Government Response Summary
The government agrees there are benefits to publishing NEBM roles and responsibilities but does not commit to providing a report on Corporate Governance Code compliance or departmental justifications for departures. It notes its commitment to review NED roles is part of the overdue Lord Maude’s Governance and Accountability Review.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We agree that, to promote transparency, there are benefits to the roles and responsibilities of NEBMs being published separately to Terms of Reference documentation, and as part of their biographies on their respective departmental websites. The Government’s commitment to review the appropriate role for NEDs and departmental boards, as part of the broader Governance and Accountability Review being led by the Rt Hon. Lord Maude of Horsham, is welcome. However, the Committee is disappointed that it is now over five months overdue.