Commissioner for Public Appointments

Friday 11th March 2016 Written Statements

[The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Matthew Hancock)]

I announced on 2 July 2015 that the Government had asked Sir Gerry Grimstone to lead a review of the public appointments system. I am now pleased to announce the completion of the review.

The role of Commissioner for Public Appointments was established in 1995 following a recommendation made by Lord Nolan and his Committee on Standards in Public Life. Lord Nolan also recommended seven principles of public life, which have been adopted throughout public life, including in public appointments.

The Government agree with the emphasis Sir Gerry places on the original conclusions reached by Lord Nolan in 1995 that Ministers should be at the heart of the public appointments system and that ultimate choice, responsibility and accountability for making appointments should rest with Ministers. Lord Nolan’s principles have stood the test of time and are as applicable today as they were 20 years ago. This is reflected in Sir Gerry’s updated principles for public appointments which will be known as the public appointments principles.

The Government welcome the review and thank Sir Gerry for his work. The Government also published today their response. This response, along with the full report “Better Public Appointments” can be found on gov.uk and copies have been placed in the Library of both Houses.

Attachments can be viewed online at http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2016-03-11/HCWS609/.

[HCWS609]