Boards and committees form an important part of the public sector, acting under the direction of government to provide advice on certain areas of interest, support consultation with the community or oversee service delivery.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet has developed new Guidelines for boards and committees. The Guidelines support the NSW Government's commitment in NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW Number One to promote accountability and integrity in the public sector. The Guidelines have been developed based on best practice principles to:

• Assist department and agency staff in the establishment and operation of NSW Government boards, committees and similar entities
• Provide guidance about the appropriate government oversight and clear accountabilities between boards and committees and the NSW Government entity to which they are aligned
• Clarify the roles and responsibilities of members and other key participants involved in board and committee activities
• Clarify the Cabinet approval process for appointments
• Improve transparency, integrity and accountability of NSW Government boards and committees.

The Guidelines replace the following Department of Premier and Cabinet publications:

• An Introduction to Board and Committee Membership dated April 2008
• Guidelines for NSW Board and Committee Members: Appointments and Remuneration dated 15 October 2004 (updated 23 February 2012)
• Conduct Guidelines for Members of NSW Government Boards and Committees dated December 2011
• Guidelines on Appointments to Cabinet: Cabinet Appointments Procedure dated 14 February 2012

The new Guidelines should be brought to the attention of all departments and agencies and members of NSW Government boards and committees.

Barry O’Farrell MP
Premier