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Report

How to set up a public body

Ten lessons on getting new bodies up and running.

An empty meeting room
From getting the membership right to setting clear remits, there is a lot to consider when establishing a new public body.

The Labour manifesto pledged to create various new public bodies, from GB Energy to a National Wealth Fund. Learning from what has worked before, as well as where new bodies have struggled, will be key

As government priorities change, particularly after a general election, there is often a need to set up new institutions to deliver on those priorities. Public bodies can be well placed to do this. If set up poorly, however, they can consume time, money and ministerial attention while failing to achieve their goals fully or at all. 

This report sets out how government can set up public bodies better. It draws on interviews with policy makers and leaders involved in creating six bodies in a range of sectors over the past two decades.

The report identifies 10 key lessons for those designing a new public body, or charged with getting one off the ground. 

Public bodies established since 2000

How to set up a public body

10 key lessons for those designing a new public body, or charged with getting one off the ground.

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Front cover for the IfG's report on How to set up a public body

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