Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 63
We have seen the extensive scope for Ministerial discretion in the public appointments process and...
Conclusion
We have seen the extensive scope for Ministerial discretion in the public appointments process and that, in addition to the self-restraint of Ministers, the role of the Commissioner has been vital in ensuring that the principles in Governance Code have been adhered to. The Chairs of the other ethics watchdogs play a similar role in safeguarding the integrity of public life. The independence required for these roles is analogous to that of the Chair of the Office of Budget Responsibility and should be treated as such. Given this, Ministers’ nominated candidates for these roles should require the endorsement of the relevant Select Committee. Candidates that are not endorsed by the relevant Select Committee for these posts should not be appointed.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that a MoU or Framework Document is essential to clearly set out the roles and responsibilities for it and ACoBA, which is unrelated to the conclusion regarding Ministerial discretion in the public appointments process.
Paragraph Reference:
63
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Government agrees that a MoU or Framework Document is essential to clearly set out the roles and responsibilities for it and ACoBA. This will make clear the timescales under which applications to ACoBA should be processed, and formalise the process the Government is introducing to allow applicants to start their proposed employment (with maximum conditions provisionally imposed) if - in exceptional cases - ACoBA’s consideration exceeds 90 days (not including when more information has been requested from individuals/applicants). 1.6 Investigations into Potential Breaches of the Business Appointment Rules Committee on Standards in Public Life,