All NDPBs are different, and will tend to succeed or fail for different reasons. However, our research suggested that there are some characteristics common to many successful public bodies.
- Strong corporate governance: clear vision and good leadership; good systems and appropriate and well-aligned accountabilities, flexible and responsive.
- Consistently delivers objectives on time and to cost, through sophisticated and sustainable business strategy, underpinned by appropriate infrastructure.
- Takes a collaborative approach to internal stakeholders, and goes to substantial effort to generate and maintain positive relationships with the sponsor department.
- Strikes the right balance between independence and accountability, understanding and managing upwards in terms of Ministerial interests and recognising their accountability to Parliament.
- Externally, makes every effort to manage corporate affairs and external relationships through regular stakeholder surveys and by implementing, and being seen to implement, lessons learned.
- Recruits the best people it can afford and is forward-thinking and “can-do” in culture.