Natural England seeks to be a distinctive public body committed to conserving and enhancing the natural environment. To help achieve this, good corporate governance is essential.
Corporate governance is about the systems and frameworks by which an organisation is directed and managed. It provides clarity for staff about their duties and the decisions that they can take as individuals, thus ensuring an effective organisation. It provides visibility and transparency of operation for our stakeholders, partners, customers and suppliers.
Natural England was established under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act. The Natural England Board has responsibility for ensuring Natural England meets its strategic targets. The Executive Board ensures that the organisation meets the strategic targets delegated to the Chief Executive by the Natural England Board.
Governance framework
The governance framework continues to be developed. The framework is divided into several sections and a number of key documents in the framework are accessible below.
Board governance
Management statement and financial memorandum 
This top-level statement concerns purpose and organisation and has been agreed by Natural England with the Secretary of State. It also provides the next level of detail of operation agreed by Natural England with Defra concerning the extent to which Defra reviews Natural England’s operation.
Part 8 agreement
This is the legal agreement by which the Rural Development Service’s functions were transferred into Natural England.
Strategic Statement of Board Role
The primary purpose of the Board is to establish strategy and approve policy direction for Natural England. The strategic statement outlines how the Board discharges its responsibilities.
Audit Committee Terms of Reference
The Audit Committee is a standing Committee of the Natural England Board. Its role is to advise the Board on matters of financial accountability, risk and internal control. The Audit Committee currently comprises: Christopher Pennell (Chair), Poul Christensen, David Hill, Pam Warhurst with Ian Scott as an independent member from outside Natural England.
Board Retained Authority
This guide highlights the matters that need to come before the Board for decision.
Executive governance
Non-financial scheme of delegation
This document shows the authority that individuals, or staff in particular roles, have to make non-financial commitments.
Staff Code of Conduct
Our Staff Code of Conduct sets the overall approach to how we work. This code is based on the standard civil service code and is complementary to the agreed Code of Conduct for Natural England's Board. It is supplemented by additional guidance in specific areas.
Regularity and Propriety
This document provides interim guidance to advise staff in matters of regularity and propriety.
Anti-fraud Policy and Procedure
This policy and procedure supports good governance by ensuring that fraud is minimised and any cases that may occur are rigorously investigated.
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing procedure is designed to comply with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) covering reporting concerns made in good faith. It covers raising and dealing with concerns about wrongdoing or malpractice relating to the running of Natural England or to the work related activities of members of staff.
Internal Audit Terms of Reference
Internal Audit is responsible for providing an independent report on assurance to the Accounting Officer. Its principal objective is to appraise the adequacy, reliability and effectiveness of the internal control system set up by management.
Health and Safety policy
Natural England's occupational health and safety policy and strategy.