NDPBs and partner organisations

Scope note / definition

A non-departmental public body is a national or regional public body, working independently of ministers to whom they are nevertheless accountable. They are not staffed by civil servants. There are two main types of NDPB. Executive NDPBs are those with executive, administrative, commercial or regulatory functions. They carry out set functions within a government framework, but the degree of operational independence varies. Advisory NDPBs are those set up by ministers to advise them and their departments on particular matters. Some Royal Commissions are also classified as advisory NDPBs. Partner organisations includes commercial companies, charities, professional bodies and other organisations working in partnership with government departments. Source: Directgov website as at 2012-05-17