Characteristics operate within a Strategic Framework set by Ministers have their own legal identity i.e. are established by statute or set up as companies ltd by guarantee carry out administrative, commercial, executive or regulatory functions on behalf of the Scottish Government provide specialist advice to Ministers and others headed by a Board which is appointed by Ministers a body corporate, staff are employed by the body and are not civil servants allocated and manage their own budgets Accountability directly accountable to Ministers, and through Ministers to Parliament Chief Executive is designated as the Accountable Officer Accountable Officer responsible for the use of resources but Ministers remain accountable to the Parliament for the allocation of public funds...