/membership/

Seven Benefits of Membership for you and your organisation

As a member of the PCF, you will have opportunity to:

1. Provide information, advice and guidance to Government on the role of arm’s length bodies in the delivery and reform of public services.

2. Contribute to and benefit from research projects aimed at supporting Chairs of public bodies in their roles.

3. Engage with high profile figures from across Government, business and the media through a series of unique and carefully tailored seminars and events.

4. Compare experiences and share problems and share best practice in a secure and confidential environment.

5. Discuss issues of major significance with peers and with Government.

6. Meet and establish relationships with other Chairs from across the public sector, whom you may not normally have the opportunity to meet.

7. Have access to unique development opportunities for both yourself and members of your board.

Download the Membership Application Form

If you are interested in joining the PCF, please click here to contact Amy Noonan

"The PCF has given me a unique opportunity to explore issues which directly affect my role as an NDPB Chair. I have valued the exchanges both with other Chairs and also with the guest speakers who have covered practical topics of direct relevance to my role."

Jenny Watson, Chair, Electoral Commission.
"The PCF has been an excellent forum for discussing and learning about issues which affect my role as a Chair. It has also given me an opportunity to contribute to cross-government projects which have a real influence on the important relationship between public bodies and government departments"

Andrew Summers CMG, Chair, Companies House
"I have found the PCF a stimulating forum for the exchange of ideas and it has been a valuable source of support both for me and for members new to their roles as Chairs."

Anne Watts CBE, Chair, Appointments Commission
"Chairs of ALB's have a unique and important contribution to make to these reforms; their relative independence allows them to look objectively at what could and should change."

"By working together through the PCF, we can improve the performance of our own organisations and influence the way public services are developed and delivered for the future"

Chris Banks CBE, Chair, Public Chairs' Forum
"It was interesting to know on becoming a Chair there must be lots of them, but I didn't really know where to find them and discuss areas of common interest and share issues which have similarities (there being little that is unique!). On finding the PCF, I found the place, the people and the issues that have really helped me."

Ed Smith, Chair, Student Loans Company
"I have encouraged the development of the Public Chairs' Forum over the years. I believe it has a particular role to play now in providing important support to chairs of public bodies as they manage through the challenges ahead.

The PCF is active on a number of issues of importance to Government, and it is also an increasingly useful method for Government to engage with chairs and listen to their views. I would encourage chairs to consider joining to add maximum value to Chairs, their organizations and public services more widely."

Sir Gus O'Donnell

Meetings

The Forum meets approximately ten times a year, usually in London, typically in groups of around 20.

Each meeting is led by a respected public figure talking either from personal experience, or as an acknowledged expert in their field

A brief presentation is followed by an open discussion and debate. This frank exchange is the essence of the Forum. Members are able to debate the topics, and raise issues of their own with the speaker and one another

Sessions are usually between 3.00pm – 6.00pm, with plenty of opportunity for members to talk informally over refreshments

The members’ meetings are subject to a strict interpretation of the Chatham House rule, and therefore remain a confidential forum for discussion of sensitive issues

Networking

In addition to the meetings run by the PCF, we hope that members will develop networks and relationships which will benefit them outside the Forum. Where possible the PCF office will respond to the needs of members in creating opportunities for this to happen.

Members' Input

The PCF is a member led organisation and is quick to respond to the needs of its members. As the Forum develops, feedback from members will be key in developing the direction of the Forum, the nature of the meetings and the programme.

Induction Sessions

The Forum will run regular sessions particularly aimed at newly appointed chairs. These will be open to all members, but will have a specific emphasis on those new to the role.

Subscriptions and joining the PCF

Membership to the PCF is by annual subscription and is open to all chairs of public bodies – our new, reduced rate for this financial year is £1500 per annum and is worked out on a pro rata basis.

This includes approximately 10 seminars and events with key figures from Government and other areas; access to invaluable networks and events at the Institute for Government; and regular briefings and updates on key areas of interest. We also produce research and publications aimed at helping support Chairs in their roles. Anybody interested in joining the PCF should get in touch with Amy Noonan amy.noonan@publicchairsforum.org.uk for further information.

Download the Membership Application Form