Message from the Chair: Dr Joan Smyth CBE

With over 160 members and direct access to more than 2,000 senior officials the Chief Executives' Forum brings together the key public sector decision-makers from civil service departments, agencies and local government. Since its establishment in 1991 the Forum has built a reputation as the principal arena in which chief executives, senior managers and board members can discuss how working together can improve public service management and delivery. The Forum's new departure as a limited company will enhance this reputation and enable members to tackle future challenges in a structured approach.

The Forum provides a range of formal and informal opportunities where members share expertise and learn from best practice. Through a process of continuous development chief executives and their senior managers are also offered expert support and guidance on issues such as corporate governance, public accountability, e-Government and managing change.

Dr Joan Smyth CBE is Chair of the Chief Executives' Forum. She is also Chairman of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company Limited and a Director of the Progressive Building Society. Until 1999 she was Chairman and Chief Executive of the former Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland. Dr Smyth has been a board member of the British Council in London and Chair of the Council's Northern Ireland Committee. She has been Northern Ireland representative on the Women's National Commission; she currently chairs the Women's Regional Consultative Forum in Northern Ireland and, as such, retains a strong interest in women's equality issues.