Which term describes non-governmental groups that perform public functions outside the government?

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This item tests how we label groups that operate outside government but still serve the public through oversight and accountability. Watchdog organisations are independent groups that monitor and scrutinise public bodies, report on performance, and push for transparency and reform. Because they’re non-governmental and their role is to oversee and safeguard public interests rather than deliver services directly, they fit the description of non-governmental groups that perform public functions outside the government.

NGOs is a broad umbrella for many civil society groups, not all of which are focused on public oversight. Quangos are organisations set up by the government to carry out public functions and, while non-governmental in form, they are typically government-created or government-funded and operate within the public sphere. Public bodies are government entities, so they aren’t outside the government.