Finance Minister guides board members of public bodies

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson MP, MLA has launched new guidance to ensure high standards of governance across public bodies are maintained by board members.

The ‘On Board Guide – a guide for board members of public bodies in Northern Ireland’ seeks to provide general advice and guidance to those who serve on the boards of Northern Ireland’s public bodies.

Speaking at the launch in Parliament Buildings, Belfast, the Minister said: “The boards of public bodies have been, and continue to be, key to ensuring that the policies and priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive are implemented and delivered.

"The public expects high standards of service delivery, governance and accountability from the public sector and I recognise the work board members of public bodies in Northern Ireland do to ensure that high standards are maintained."

The guide has been developed by the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

David Nicholl, Chief Executive of CIPFA NI said: "I welcomed the opportunity to work with DFP on developing the On Board Guide and I am in no doubt that this guide will be of considerable use to those who serve on the boards of public bodies."

Note to editors:

1. 1. This is the fourth edition of the On Board Guide. Previous versions of the guide were produced jointly between CIPFA and the Chief Executives Forum. The previous version was published in 2003.
2. 2. The guide was quality assured by an NICS inter-departmental panel.
3. 3. Similar On Board Guides are in place in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
4. 4. Copies of the fourth edition will be provided to departments for issue to existing and new board members of their departmental public bodies.
5. 5. All media enquiries should be directed to DFP Press Office (Telephone: 028 9052 7375; Fax: 028 9052 7149). Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
6. Photos of the launch are available upon request by emailing dfp.pressoffice@dfpni.gov.uk.