Governance Briefing — December 16, 2024
The UK Cabinet Office refreshed its Corporate Governance Code for central government departments, strengthening board composition, audit and risk committees, and public accountability reporting.
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.