Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to ensure the appointment of professionally credible chief professions officers and heads of profession for non-clinical roles within the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.

The Department and NHS England ensure that roles are advertised with clear information on the key skills, experience, behaviours and professional requirements and how these will be assessed. Diverse selection panels comprising suitably qualified and senior individuals are tasked with undertaking shortlisting and relevant interviews and assessments before rigorous pre-employment checks are undertaken for the successful candidate(s). These cover, at a minimum, checks on identity, right to work in the United Kingdom, professional registration and qualification checks and employment history. These practices ensure we recruit senior colleagues with the required professional credibility and that we appoint the right person for the job.