Accountability requirements for public sector organizations

Public sector organizations are responsible for providing programs and services on behalf of the B.C. government. To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of this relationship, all public sector organizations must follow the spirit and intent of B.C. government core policies and procedures.

In addition to annual planning and reporting requirements, public sector organizations are responsible for ensuring they meet accountability requirements, including:

• Following policies and guidelines
• Complying with reporting and disclosure requirements

Policies & guidelines

• Board Governance & Appointment Process
  Public sector organizations must comply with the Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office's best practices and appointment process guidelines.
• Lobbyist Registration Act
  Public sector organizations must comply with government’s requirement that lobbyists act in accordance with the Lobbyists Registration Act and are not engaged to act on behalf of the organization during interactions with government.​
   
•  Public Sector Employers Act
  Many public sector organizations are both defined by and subject to the Public Sector Employers Act which includes various requirements that must be met on an annual basis to ensure compliance. 
   
• Public Service Act
  ​Public sector organizations that have employees appointed under the Public Service Act must comply with guidance and instructions from the BC Public Service Agency, about the administration of collective agreements, terms and conditions of employment, excluded compensation and other topics covered in the Act.

Reporting & disclosure requirements

• Financial Information Disclosure Requirements
  Annual reporting requirements for public sector organizations are outlined in both the Financial Information Act and the Public Sector Employers Act, including the requirement to publicly disclose the salaries of employees earning $75,000 or more in cash compensation, as well as the top five decision-makers earning a base salary of $125,000 respectively. In accordance with transparency requirements, remuneration paid to all board and administrative tribunal members is also disclosed each year.  Learn more about:
  • Financial Information Act Guidance Package (PDF)
  • Executive compensation disclosure guidelines
  • Board and tribunal appointee remuneration  
     
• Greenhouse Gas Reporting & Reduction
  Public sector organizations must comply with government’s requirements to be carbon neutral under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, including:
  • Accurately defining, measuring, reporting on and verifying the greenhouse gas emissions from the organization's operations
  • Implementing and reporting on measures to reduce those emissions
  • Offsetting any remaining emissions
     
• Compensation in B.C.’s Public Sector Bargaining
  The Public Sector Employers’ Council Secretariat, as a central agency, coordinates union and non-union compensation across the public sector.  This protects the interests of taxpayers by ensuring public sector compensation costs are aligned with the economic mandate set by government.    Learn more about public sector bargaining.
   
• Transparency & Accountability to the Public
  Public sector organizations must comply with government’s reporting requirements and commitment to transparency and accountability to the public under the Budget Transparency & Accountability Act including annual budget and estimates, public accounts, quarterly reports, service plans, annual reports and major capital project plans.  See planning and reporting dates for the business cycle.