Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether his Department seeks references for candidates appointed to public positions which fall under the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Boundary Commission for Scotland is an independent body sponsored by the Scotland Office. All public appointments to the Boundary Commission for Scotland are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Governance Code on Public Appointments sets out that the Advisory Assessment Panel must satisfy itself that all candidates for appointment can meet the Seven Principles of Public Life and adhere to the Code of Conduct for board members of public bodies. All appointments to the Boundary Commission for Scotland are made using this code and this may include seeking references where appropriate.