Governance Briefing — December 16, 2024

Executive briefing: On 16 December 2024 the UK Cabinet Office issued the 2024 Corporate Governance Code for Central Government Departments. The update tightens requirements for departmental boards, independent non-executive appointments, and audit and risk committee integration with public spending controls.

Key governance signals

• Board structure. Departments must maintain boards chaired by the Secretary of State with at least four independent non-executives, including a Lead NED overseeing effectiveness reviews.
• Committee expectations. Audit and risk committees must align with HM Treasury’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee handbook and monitor fraud, data, and digital risk.
• Transparency. Departments should publish annual Governance Statements detailing board attendance, risk management, and performance against strategic objectives.

Action checklist

• Review departmental board composition, ensuring diverse expertise and succession plans for independent non-executives.
• Update audit and risk committee charters to incorporate digital, cyber, and major project oversight in line with the refreshed code.
• Prepare enhanced Governance Statements with metrics on risk appetite, control effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement.

Sources

• Corporate Governance Code for Central Government Departments 2024
• Cabinet Office news: Strengthening departmental board governance

Zeph Tech coaches Whitehall departments on board effectiveness reviews, risk committee reporting, and public accountability metrics under the 2024 code.

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