Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Cabinet Office prioritises and conducts varied outreach activities to diversify public appointment applicants.
Conclusion
The Cabinet Office told us that one of its priorities is outreach, to develop a talent pool of potential applicants. The Government’s Lead Non-Executive and the Commissioner for Public Appointments have also declared their intention to improve outreach. The Cabinet Office told us that it has reached out to private-sector professionals, volunteers, veterans, disabled peoples’ forums, and faith communities.46 The Cabinet Office has also held “roadshow” events for prospective applicants, including in Darlington, Exeter, and Edinburgh.47 A Boardroom Apprentice Scheme has been rolled out, led by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which offers opportunities for people with no previous board experience to learn how a board works, both receiving classroom training and practical experience.48
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 11 July 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗