Our governance

The remit of the Wales Office Departmental Board.

Our Departmental Board

The Departmental Board is chaired by the Secretary of State for Wales with the Department’s two Non-Executive Directors and senior leadership team sitting on the Board as members.

The Board:

  • Considers the Department’s overarching strategy and approves its Outcome Delivery Plan (ODP), ensuring that both are consistent with any policy or resource framework determined by the Secretary of State
  • Sets the risk appetite for the organisation and ensures that appropriate controls are in place to manage risk
  • Considers the performance and effectiveness of the Department, including assuring itself that appropriate succession and resource planning is taking place
  • Supports and advises the Accounting Officer in his obligation set out in Managing Public Money for the proper conduct of business and maintenance of appropriate standards.

The Board meets up to five times per year. More frequent meetings may be necessary as part of various reporting cycles.

 Wales Office Board Operating Framework 2023-4

WALES OFFICE DRAFT BOARD OPERATING FRAMEWORK - GOV.UK

There are three sub-committees which report regularly to the Departmental Board:

  • Audit and Risk Assurance Committee

The Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) supports the Board and Accounting Officer in their responsibilities for risk management, control and governance by reviewing the comprehensiveness, reliability and integrity of assurances.

 ARAC Terms of Reference Wales Office Audit & Risk Assurance Committee Terms of Reference - GOV.UK

  • Health and Safety Committee

The Health and Safety Committee supports the Board and Accounting Officer in their responsibilities for the health and safety of all staff and visitors to the Office’s premises. The Committee acts in a scrutiny and advisory capacity and has no executive powers.

Wales Office Health and Safety Committee Terms of Reference Wales Office Health and Safety Committee Terms of Reference - GOV.UK

  • The Outcome Delivery Plan (ODP) Implementation Committee

The Wales Office ODP Implementation Committee oversees the delivery of the Department’s ODP. The Committee reports on its work to the Departmental Board and gives advice on appropriate matters to the Senior Leadership Team. The Departmental Board is able to remit matters to the Committee for its consideration.

Wales Office ODP Implementation Committee Terms of Reference Wales Office Outcome Delivery Plan (ODP) Implementation Committee Terms of Reference - GOV.UK

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meets weekly to discuss the prioritisation of resources, budgetary and staffing issues and to agree a way forward on key operational matters. The Departmental Board may remit matters to the SLT for action and decision, and the SLT may escalate matters to the Board for strategic direction and decision.

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