What does the Board do?

The Board is the tap that controls resource allocation. The Board directly, or via delegation according to the predefined delegation of authority, controls all spending in the organization. The Board:

• Formulates strategy in line with the demands of the external environment

• Allocates money via the annual budget or via business case approval in line with the strategy

• Holds the organization to account, via the Executive team, to ensure the money spent delivers the pre-agreed volume of activity and quality and to ensure no overspend against budget. Holds the Executive to account for ensuring the organization follows the strategy and delivers change to the agreed timetable. The Board holds the accountability for the organization in the eyes of the external world

• Shapes the culture of the organization.

Delegated authority levels: the Board delegates authority to spend money. All NHS organizations will have a delegated authority policy which indicates the levels of expenditure allowed by each post in the organization. If an order for a higher amount is needed, the individual has to obtain sign-off from a more senior member of staff with a higher delegated level.