Recommendation 19

Concerns about the process for appointing the Independent Adviser are longstanding. The independence and integrity of the postholder are fundamental to their ability to carry out the role. As with the other standards watchdogs, the power of the Prime Minister to appoint the Independent Adviser should be balanced with a robust and transparent appointment process that allows the candidate to demonstrate their qualities for the role rather than their name being ‘alighted upon’, as is currently the case. The Independent Adviser should be subject to the Commissioner for Public Appointments process applicable to Significant Appointments. In addition, in accordance with our recommendation in this report concerning revisions to that process, the Independent Adviser’s appointment should be subject to a pre-appointment hearing with the relevant Select Committee and should require its endorsement.