Public bodies
There are over 900 public bodies sponsored by UK Government departments and which work at a national level to shape policies or help to deliver public services. Some, like the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs, provide advice whilst others, such as NHS Blood and Transplant and the Teacher Training Agency, deliver services.
These bodies operate independently of Ministers, although Ministers remain responsible for them. They are also known as NDPBs (non-departmental public bodies).
As well as these national bodies, there are local public bodies such as those that are responsible for the NHS – Primary Care Trusts, NHS Trusts, Strategic Health Authorities and Foundation Trusts.
To find out more about public bodies visit the Agencies and Public Bodies website.