Establishing new public bodies – what have we learnt?

There are well over 300 public bodies in the UK, ranging from NHS England to small advisory bodies. Government has announced plans to create several new public bodies in the coming years, including the Future Systems Operator, the Office for Local Government and Great British Railways. However, while there are strict guidelines on the circumstances in which a body can be created, there is less guidance on how to establish one effectively. This event explored how new bodies can establish effective operations and a strong reputation in their sector, to ensure they stand the test of time and are respected by new administrations. It brought together practitioners and experts on public bodies, particularly economic and trade bodies, to discuss the lessons from their experience of setting up new public bodies: Oliver Griffiths, CEO of the Trade Remedies Authority Sian Jones, Value for Money Director at the National Audit Office Alex Massey, Partner in Deloitte’s human capital practice Kate McGavin, Policy Director at the UK Infrastructure Bank Ceri Smith, Director General at the Department for International Trade This event was chaired by Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Trade Remedies Authority and Deloitte for kindly supporting this event.