- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Tuesday, 05 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 19 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a copy of any letter that it sent to organisations in order to request nominations for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts.
Answer
The following is a copy of the letter issued on 27 June 2001:Dear Sir/Madam
INDEPENDENT ASSESSOR POSTS TO OVERSEE THE PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS PROCESS IN SCOTLANDI am writing to seek your assistance in identifying individuals who might be considered for appointment as Independent Assessors for Public Appointments. I am also writing in similar terms to a wide range of groups and organisations throughout Scotland seeking nominations for consideration for appointment (the list at Annex A refers). It is anticipated that up to 10 appointments will be made in total from across the diverse range of Scottish society.The role of the Independent Assessor is to assist Scottish Ministers in the task of making effective public appointments that command public confidence and to provide an assurance that the appointment process has conformed with the principles and practices set out in the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Details of the 7 principles contained in the Commissioner's Code are attached at Annex B for ease of reference. In short, an Assessor has to be able to provide an assurance that appointments have been made on merit after fair, open and transparent process.As you will be aware, in his statement to Parliament on proposed changes to public bodies and the public appointments system in Scotland on 21 June, the Minister for Finance and Local Government announced that in the future responsibility for the appointment and training of Independent Assessors would transfer to a new Scottish Commissioner for Public Appointments. However, until formal arrangements are in place to implement all the proposed changes we need to have sufficient numbers of Assessors in place to ensure that the current system continues to function.Ten of the Executive's 25 Assessors are due to stand down on 30 June. Ministers have agreed that 10 new Assessors are needed to ensure that the appointments system continues to operate effectively during the period of transition ahead. The Executive is keen to ensure that these new appointments should reflect the diversity of modern Scottish society and that is why I would like to enlist your help in identifying possible candidates to carry out this role during the transition period. Thereafter it would be for the Scottish Commissioner to decide whether or not to retain the services of these Assessors.I hope that you will be able to assist by providing names of potential candidates for these posts. If you would like further information, a job description, person specification and application form please contact:The Scottish ExecutivePublic Appointments UnitRoom 31816 Waterloo Place EDINBURGHEH1 3DNTele: 0131-244-4999, or, 0131-244-4996Fax: 0131-244-5077Email:
[email protected]:
www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicappointI look forward to hearing from you by 10 July 2001.ANNEX AINDEPENDENT ASSESSOR POSTS: LIST OF ORGANISATIONS CONSULTEDAberdeen Women's CentreAfrican Caribbean Women's Association, GlasgowAfrican Women's Group, AberdeenAge Concern ScotlandAsian Action Group, DundeeAssociation of Indian OrganisationsBAHA'I Council for Scotland, Bridge of WeirBlack and Ethnic Minority Voluntary Network, GlasgowBlack Environment NetworkCabinet OfficeCBI ScotlandCentral Scotland Racial Equality CouncilCentre for Managing Diversity - University of PaisleyCentre for Racial Equality in ScotlandCitizens Advice ScotlandClackmannanshire CouncilConvention of Scottish Local AuthoritiesCouncil of British Pakistanis (Scotland)Dennis Canovan MSPDisability Rights CommissionDisability Service Team - Edinburgh and South East ScotlandDisability Service Team - Highlands, Islands and GrampiansDisability Service Team, Central ScotlandDisability ScotlandDundee City CouncilDundee International Women's CentreECAS - Access to a Full Life Edinburgh & Lothians Racial Equality CouncilEngenderEqual Opportunities CommissionEthnic Community Resource Centre, GlasgowEthnic Enterprise CentreEthnic Minority Enterprise Centre, GlasgowEthnic Minority Training and Employment ProjectFederation of Small BusinessesFife Racial Equality CouncilForum of Private Business ScotlandGlasgow City CouncilGlasgow Women's LibraryGrampian Racial Equality CouncilIndian Graduate Society, GlasgowInstitute of Directors ScotlandInstitute of Personnel Development International Women's Group, DalkeithJewish Community CentreMaxwelltown Information Centre, DundeeMidlothian Women's GroupMulti Ethnic Aberdeen LtdMulticultural Welfare ProjectNetwork for Minority Ethnic Communities in North of ScotlandPakistani Media Relations Committee, BearsdenPakistani Women's Group, AberdeenParliamentary Subject Committees Pilton PartnershipRacial Equality Development Unit (SCVO)Scottish Asian Action Committee, GlasgowScottish Civic ForumScottish Conservative & Unionist PartyScottish Consumer CouncilScottish Council Development & IndustryScottish Council for Minority RightsScottish Council for Voluntary OrganisationsScottish EngineeringScottish Federation of Housing AssociationsScottish Financial EnterpriseScottish Green PartyScottish Labour PartyScottish Liberal Democratic PartyScottish National PartyScottish Retail ConsortiumScottish Socialist PartyScottish Trades Union CongressScottish Youth ParliamentSkillnet EdinburghSocial Inclusion Partnerships [48]Society of Local Authority Lawyers & AdministratorsSoroptimist International of FalkirkSoroptimist International of Scotland NorthStrathclyde Chinese Association, AirdrieTayside Racial Equality CouncilThe General Assembly of the Church of Scotland: Church & Nation CommitteeThe Mix, BBC Radio Scotland, GlasgowThe Muslim Women's Resource CentreThe Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in ScotlandThe Scottish Chambers of CommerceUNISONVolunteer Centre, GlasgowVolunteer Development ScotlandVolunteer Development Scotland, StirlingWest of Scotland Business Women's ClubWest of Scotland Community Relations CouncilWester Hailes Multicultural Welfare ProjectWorkers Educational AssociationWorkers Educational Association, FalkirkWorkers Educational Association, FifeWorkers Educational Association, GlasgowWorkers Educational Association, InvernessYouthlink Scotland
ANNEX BThe PrinciplesThe Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice covers all Ministerial appointments to the boards of executive and advisory non-departmental public bodies, health bodies, public corporations and nationalised industries.
Ministerial ResponsibilityThe ultimate responsibility for appointments rests with Ministers.MeritAll public appointments should be governed by the overriding principle of selection based on merit, by the well-informed choice of individuals who, through their abilities, experience and qualities, match the needs of the public bodies in question.Independent ScrutinyNo appointment shall take place without first being scrutinised by a panel which must include an independent assessor.Equal OpportunitiesDepartments should sustain programmes to promote and deliver the principles of equal opportunities.ProbityBoard members must be committed to the principles and values of public service and perform their duties with integrity.Openness and TransparencyThe principles of open Government must be applied to the appointments process, its working must be transparent and information must be provided about appointments made.ProportionalityThe appointments procedures need to be subject to the principles of 'proportionality', that is they should be appropriate for the nature of the post and the size and weight of its responsibilities.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a commitment to cancel the appointments of the current team of Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies and initiate another selection process, based on the new procedures for their selection as set out by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services on 15 January 2002 to the Local Government Committee, should these procedures be adopted.
Answer
No. Each individual was appointed on merit. It will be for the Scottish Commissioner for Public Appointments, once in post, to determine when and how future independent assessors should be appointed and to evaluate on an ongoing basis the performance of all independent assessors.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the process by which each of the 12 new Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 29 January 2002 were appointed.
Answer
Details of the open competition to fill Independent Assessor vacancies were announced in question S1W-16557 on 27 June 2001. Details were also contained in an Executive news release and published on the Executive's website. In addition, letters inviting nominations for these posts were sent to over 100 organisations, including conveners of the Parliament's subject committees.In total 60 information packs were issued and 27 applications received. An appointments panel sifted all applications against the criteria set out in the person specification and job description. 19 applicants were invited to interview. Recommendations for appointments were made by the appointments panel to me. I made my decisions on the basis of the advice of the panel. The process followed was in accordance with the requirements of the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who have served in each of the past three years were also appointed members of an NDPB under the responsibility of either it or Her Majesty's Government.
Answer
In 1999, seven out of a total of 28 assessors held public appointments. In 2000, five out of a total of 16 held appointments and in 2001, four out of a total of 14.All those involved were appointed as assessors prior to devolution. Following devolution, the commissioner's advice was sought as to whether these individuals could remain in post. Her view was that since they had been appointed to their posts under a different administration, there would be no conflict of interest in their overseeing appointments made by the Scottish ministers.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the 15 candidates who were rejected as Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies asked for an official explanation for their rejection.
Answer
All those who were unsuccessful were offered an explanation for their rejection. They were also offered an opportunity to meet with officials to discuss the outcome of the panel's deliberations.One candidate took up the offer of a meeting and three others were given verbal feedback by telephone.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are currently appointed members of an NDPB under the responsibility of either it or Her Majesty's Government.
Answer
Five. Four of these sit on bodies sponsored by the Executive. These appointments were made prior to devolution. Following devolution, the commissioner's advice was sought as to whether these four assessors could remain in post. Her view was that since they had been appointed to their posts under a different administration, there would be no conflict of interest in their overseeing appointments made by the Scottish ministers.One assessor sits on a body sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies it has received each time such vacancies have been advertised in each of the past three years.
Answer
A new system for recruiting independent assessors which involved seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds was introduced for the first time in 2001. Twenty-seven applications were received.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to select the successful candidates for the recent vacancies for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies and who carried out the interviews.
Answer
All applications received were sifted by an appointments panel, not by ministers, against the criteria set out in the person specification and job description. They were approved by the UK Commissioner for Public Appointments.Interviews were carried out by the appointments panel which comprised Dame Rennie Fritchie, UK Commissioner for Public Appointments (acting as Independent Assessor) and two civil servants.Job DescriptionJob Title: Independent Assessor of the Public Appointments ProcessMain Duties:Play a full, visible and active part in the appointments process to ensure that the procedures employed by the Executive in making public appointments are transparent, fair and applied consistently to all candidates.Ensure that the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Public Appointments and the principles on which it is based are followed throughout the selection process in every case.As appropriate, to review the documented procedures relating to the selection of candidates before recommendations are put to ministers, or as part of a scrutiny panel established for individual appointments. As part of a scrutiny panel an Independent Assessor will be involved in shortlisting and interviewing candidates.Whenever necessary, to draw the attention of the selection panel or senior officials, the commissioner or the minister, to any shortcomings that arise during the appointments process.Recording the details of appointments in which you have played a part and retention of this record for at least one year after the appointment has been made to assist the commissioner in the investigations of any complaint that might be made about the way a particular appointment was made.Specific Objectives:To assist ministers in the task of making effective public appointments that command public confidence.To provide an assurance that the appointments process has conformed with the principles and practice set out in the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.To ensure that appointments are made on merit after fair, open and transparent process.Person SpecificationNecessary Skills Sound analytical skillsSound judgementGood written communication skillsGood oral communication skillsAble to express self assertivelyInterpretative skillsProblem solving skillsBe logical and possess common senseDesirable Skills Interviewing techniquesDesirable KnowledgeRecruitment and personnel managementPolicy and processesEqual opportunities legislationAppointment proceduresNecessary ExperienceTeam workingDecision makingDesirable ExperienceCommittee workResolving conflictManagement responsibilitiesOffice administrationRecord keepingQualificationsFormal academic qualifications are not necessary. Skills acquired through non-traditional employment patterns are also recognised.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive where the vacancies for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies were advertised and on what dates.
Answer
These posts were advertised on the Executive's website between 27 June and 3 August 2001. In addition, letters inviting nominations were sent to over 100 organisations, including conveners of the Parliament's subject committees, a PQ was tabled and a News Release issued.
- Asked by: Alex Neil, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
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Date lodged: Friday, 01 February 2002
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Current Status:
Answered by Andy Kerr on 18 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive how long it took from the closing date for applications to appoint the 12 new Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies.
Answer
The closing date for applications was 31 July 2001. The appointments were announced on 29 January 2002. Ministerial changes last autumn contributed to the delay in final decisions being made.
