Governance

Our Governance Framework

The Parliamentary Knowledge Foundation is a not for profit social enterprise, registered at Companies House (company number 16074422) and governed in accordance with its Articles of Association. Its governance rests with the Board and with the Members of the social enterprise.

The Board is responsible for:

• Setting the strategic direction of the Foundation
• Ensuring compliance with company law and relevant regulation
• Overseeing financial stewardship and risk management
• Upholding ethical standards and public trust
• Ensuring the Foundation remains politically neutral and independent

The Board acts collectively and independently, bringing a broad range of experience and perspectives to the governance of the organisation.

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Social Enterprise Members

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The Foundation is a company limited by guarentee and that guarentee is provided by its Members. They hold the Foundation to account and ensure that it remains true to the objects for which it was established.

Multiple member of the Board are also a Members of the social enterprise. Those who shape the Foundation's strategy are therefore formally accountable within its membership, with a direct and lasting stake in its integrity and good governance.

Members hold meaningful rights under the Foundation's governing documents, including:

• The right to require an audit of the Foundation's accounts
• The right to receive and scrutinise financial and governance reporting
• The right to hold the executive to account for delivery and conduct
• The right to call and vote at general meetings of the Foundation
• The right to safeguard the Foundation's social purpose and independence

Through these rights, the Members provide an enduring layer of oversight that protects the Foundation's mission, its public role, and the trust placed in it.

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Board Oversight & Accountability

The Board meets regularly to review progress against the Foundation's objectives and to provide guidance and challenge where required.

Key areas of oversight include:

• Strategic planning and delivery
• Financial reporting and sustainability
• Governance, risk, and compliance
• Safeguarding the Foundation's reputation and public role

Daily management of the Foundation is delegated to the executive team, who operate within a framework of authority agreed by the Board and report directly to it.

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Independence & Political Neutrality

The Parliamentary Knowledge Foundation is committed to maintaining strict political neutrality.

Members of the Board are appointed on the basis of their skills, experience, and commitment to the Foundation's social purpose. The Board operates independently of political parties and does not promote partisan viewpoints.

This independence is fundamental to the Foundation's role in supporting objective, trusted parliamentary knowledge.

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Trustee Appointments & Responsibilities

Members and those serving on the Board are admitted in accordance with the Foundation's Articles of Association and UK corporate governance best practice.

Each is expected to:

• Act in the best interests of the Foundation at all times
• Declare and manage any potential conflicts of interest
• Contribute actively to discussions and decision making
• Uphold the Foundation's values, purpose, and public responsibilities

They serve in accordance with the terms set out in the Foundation's governing documents.

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Our Board of Trustees

The Foundation's governance is strengthened by a Board composed of individuals with expertise across public policy, education, governance, communications, research, and civic engagement.

Together, they provide strategic guidance, oversight, and stewardship to ensure the Foundation's work remains effective, credible, and aligned with its mission.

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