Addleshaw Goddard supports merger strengthening public sector leadership networks

Addleshaw Goddard has advised the Association of Chief Executives (ACE) and the Public Chairs’ Forum (PCF) on the merger of PCF into ACE to create a single unified organisation representing the senior leadership of UK public bodies and public services sector entities (including but not limited to Civil Service organisations, Executive Agencies, Trading Funds, non-Ministerial Departments, non-Departmental Public Bodies and other arm’s length entities of Government).

The merger, approved by the membership of both organisations in February 2026, will formally take effect on 1 April 2026. Following the merger, the combined organisation will continue to operate under a single governance structure, expanded constitution and with a broader membership base.

Founded in 2006, ACE is an independent, member-led organisation dedicated to strengthening UK public services. It provides peer support, insight, inspiration and education for chief executives and senior executives across public bodies (including both non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies). 

PCF, founded in 2007, is a membership network for Chairs and Non-Executive Directors of public bodies. Like ACE, it is committed to strengthening UK public services through peer support, insight, inspiration and education for public sector leaders.

Both organisations play an important role in representing arm’s-length bodies of government and regularly engage with decision-makers across Westminster and Whitehall. They contribute to central government consultations, policy discussions, roundtables and projects aimed at improving governance and delivery across public services.

The current membership of ACE and PCF extends to a wide range of bodies operating across numerous areas of the public sector. These include bodies such as the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Reclaim Fund Ltd, Historic England, The National Archives, General Pharmaceutical Council, the Sentencing Counsel and the Mining Remediation Authority, among others.

ACE and PCF have become increasingly integrated over time, sharing a secretariat, office space and joint membership arrangements, as well as running a joint programme of events including an annual conference. Formalising the relationship through a single organisation is seen as a natural next step that will strengthen the ability of public body leaders to speak with a unified voice.

The Addleshaw Goddard team was led by Corporate Partners Ben Koehne (Head of Financial Services Sector) and Jaya Gupta (Head of Governance). 

Ben Koehne, Head of Financial Services Sector at Addleshaw Goddard, said:

“ACE and PCF have long played an important role in supporting the leadership of the UK’s arm’s-length bodies and in strengthening the effectiveness of public services. Bringing the two organisations together under a single governance structure reflects the close collaboration that has already developed between them and creates a stronger, more unified platform for public body leaders to share insights, influence policy and support one another."

Keith Fraser (PCF) and Adrian Smith (ACE) OBE said:   

“The merger of ACE and PCF into a single organisation is an exciting opportunity for us to deliver more support, events and higher quality peer learnings to our members whilst simplifying and improving our communication with central government. We’re really pleased to have been able to work with Addleshaw Goddard on this project and thank Ben, Jaya, and the team for all their support delivering this merger.”