Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to strengthen the business appointment process for former ministers and civil servants.

The Government’s view remains that the current Business Appointment Rules system provides the right balance between preventing conflicts of interest, and ensuring the public sector can attract the skills and capability it needs, whilst also recognising the common law freedoms of individuals to earn a living without unreasonable hindrance.

However, as set out in the Government response to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s most recent report on the subject, we have introduced a number of administrative changes to strengthen the process at a Departmental level, and ensure consistency in the way the Rules are applied. This includes issuing new guidance to Departments on administering the Rules, and requiring the Chairs of Departmental Audit and Risk Committees to take responsibility for monitoring compliance with the Rules as part of their existing governance processes.

The full Government response is attached.