Public body
The term ‘public body’ refers to a formally-established organisation that is typically created by statute and publicly funded for the purposes of delivering a public or government service.
Public bodies include:
- Transport for London (TfL).
- County councils.
- National Assembly for Wales.
- British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
- Channel Four Television Corporation.
- Olympic Delivery Authority.
‘Arm’s length bodies’ (ALBs) are a particular type of public body that are administratively classified by the Cabinet Office. Such ALBs include executive agencies, non-departmental bodies (NDPBs), and non-ministerial departments (NMDs).
ALBs are so-called because they carry out their operations at a remove from ministers rather than as being an integral part of a government department, although ministers hold ultimate responsibility to Parliament for the activities of these bodies that their department sponsor.
Some public bodies can be classified and registered by the Charities Commission as charities. These bodies are established for charitable purposes only and are subject to the control of the High Court’s charity law jurisdiction.
For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-bodies-reform
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The Building Safety Regulator announces a call for evidence.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
















