Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Elmore Excerpts

Wednesday 27th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking to widen access to senior public appointments.

[Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab)]

13. What steps he is taking to widen access to senior public appointments.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Oliver Dowden)]

We want to ensure that public boards represent the people they serve. That is why in December we launched our diversity action plan, which committed to 50% women and 14% ethnic minority representation by 2020. Just last month, I appointed Lord Christopher Holmes to undertake a review of removing barriers that disabled people might face when applying for public appointments.

[Oliver Dowden]

The hon. Lady raises a very important point about our making sure that public appointments reflect the country as a whole. That is why we have taken a number of measures to increase diversity based on the Bridge report recommendations.

[Chris Elmore]

I am sure that the Minister agrees that we have a huge amount of talent for public appointments, including in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so will he set out what he is doing to ensure that regional voices are heard around senior public appointments?

[Oliver Dowden]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. Diversity means not just ethnic diversity or gender diversity, but regional diversity. That is why, for example, we recently held an event in Glasgow to encourage people in Scotland to apply for public appointments.