Non-ministerial directorate

Non-ministerial government departments (NMGDs) are a type of British government department that deal with matters for which direct political oversight has been judged unnecessary or inappropriate. They are headed by senior civil servants. Some fulfil a regulatory or inspection function, and their status is therefore intended to protect them from political interference. Some are headed by a permanent office holder, such as a Permanent Secretary or Second Permanent Secretary.

The status of an NMGD varies considerably from one to another. For example:

A list of NMGDs is maintained by the Cabinet Office, which currently states that the following 21 are in existence: