Governance in Health and Social Care an introduction

What is Governance

Governance is "the system by which an organisation directs and controls its functions and relates to its stakeholders” HM Treasury

In other words, the way in which organisations:

• manage their business
• determine strategy & objectives
• go about achieving these objectives

Arm’s Length Bodies Partnership Agreements

The Department manages its relationships with its 16 Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs) by way of Partnership Agreements.

The purpose of the Partnership Agreement is to set out the governance framework and assurance arrangements which have been agreed and are in place between the Department and the ALB.

Partnership Agreements are reviewed and agreed by both partners ahead of implementation and arrangements are periodically reviewed.

Current Partnership Agreements in place are:

Board Governance Self Assessment Tool

DoH Arm’s Length Bodies Boards are required to complete a Board Governance Self Assessment Tool on an annual basis.

The tool assesses the effectiveness of board composition & commitment; board evaluation, development & learning; board insight and foresight; and board engagement and involvement.

• Assessment Tool

National Audit Office Audit Committee Checklist

DOH Arm’s Length Bodies are required to complete the National Audit Office Audit Committee Checklist, on an annual basis as recommended as best practice by the National Audit Office. Audit Committees can assess their performance against best practice using the checklist.

• NAO Website

Code of Conduct and Code of Accountability For Department of Health Arm’s Length Bodies Board Members

This document comprises a Code of Conduct and a Code of Accountability for Board Members