The National Audit Office is undertaking a study which examines how departments understand and oversee the activities of arm's length bodies (ALBs). ALBs cover a wide range of public bodies including non-ministerial departments, non-departmental public bodies, executive agencies and public corporations.
The study compares and contrasts approaches to oversight by four departments responsible for large numbers of ALBs carrying out a diverse range of functions: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; The Ministry of Justice; The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and The Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It also considers the role of the Cabinet Office in overseeing the public bodies landscape and providing advice and guidance to departments.