Public Accountability and Governance Training for Board Members

June 12 2024

This half-day seminar targets independent board members of Government departments and non-executive directors of non-departmental public bodies, North-South implementation bodies, public corporations and other arm's length bodies (ALBs).

The seminar deals particularly with expectations of the Northern Ireland Assembly and taxpayers regarding the stewardship of public funds. Continuously updated, the programme draws on the latest guidance and recommendations of the Assembly's Public Accounts Committee and best practice in public sector governance.

The programme will cover:

  • Corporate governance arrangements in Government departments;
  • The landscape of government: What does it mean to operate at 'arm's length'?;
  • ALBS and their relationship with the sponsor department;
  • The proper conduct of public business;
  • Ethical standards relevant to the stewardship of public funds;
  • Managing conflicts of interest;
  • Codes of practice;
  • Roles and responsibilities of ALB board members;
  • The role of the Departmental and ALB accounting officer;
  • External scrutiny: the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Assembly's Public Accounts Committee;
  • Sources of guidance and further reading.

Brian Whalley, an independent consultant and acknowledged expert in this field, will present the seminar which includes case study material, extracts from the proceedings of Public Accounts Committees.  The seminar also includes a contribution from a senior representative of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

There are a limited number of spaces on this course.

The cost will be £270+VAT for member organisations, and £370+VAT for non-member organisations.  A light lunch will be provided.

To reserve your place please click on the REGISTER button above and enter the password 'topcat' when prompted.

CEF operates on a cost recovery basis, therefore cancellations must be made no later 5 than working days in advance of the event or the full fee will be charged for non-attendance.