A guide to corporate governance for subvented organisations will be published soon, to help them assess their current performance, decide on necessary changes, and raise awareness of the importance of good governance.

It will set out the principles and best practices relating to corporate governance, advising on matters that have raised concern, and provide checklists to help publicly funded organisations to conduct health checks.

Organisations receiving capital grants, non-cash concessions or one-off payments, and companies in which the Government holds shares, are also encouraged to refer to the best practices promulgated in the guide.

Topics include board structure and composition; board operation and effectiveness; strategy, planning and monitoring; transparency and disclosure; corporate citizenship; risk management and compliance; and legal issues.

The Efficiency Unit will organise four half-day seminars on May 24 and May 31 to help subvented organisations' board members and senior executives have a better understanding of corporate governance.

Chief Secretary Henry Tang and Financial Secretary John Tsang will address the opening of the first (May 24) and fourth (May 31) seminar. Other speakers include Director of Audit Benjamin Tang, contributors to the guide, subject experts and subvented organisation representatives.

The guide will be available at the unit's website from May 24. Hard copies will be sent to all subvented organisations for their reference.