Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 38
Non-executive directors' power to remove Permanent Secretaries requires genuine independence.
Conclusion
Furthermore, the Committee considers that the power of NEDs, currently included in the Corporate Governance Code, to be able to recommend to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State, and Cabinet Secretary that the Permanent Secretary be removed from their post if they are deemed to be an obstacle to delivery, is only appropriate if NEDs are independent sources of advice.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged that NEBMs are able to recommend the removal of a Permanent Secretary and affirmed that NEBMs adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life, acting impartially and on merit.
Paragraph Reference:
38
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
NEBMs are not bestowed with any formal powers. They are able to recommend the removal of a Permanent Secretary from their post, where all other options have been explored first. NEBMs follow and abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life. In doing so they ‘‘must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias’.