Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker why applicants for the position of non-executive director of the House of Lords Management Board are asked to apply anonymously.

This is a fair and open competition approach in line with sector-wide best practice, including in the Civil Service. All candidates are asked to submit a full application and provide an anonymised CV. While the supporting HR team have full access to candidates’ information, the recruitment panel receives anonymised information which enables candidates’ written applications to be assessed solely against the job criteria. The element of anonymity ends once candidates are shortlisted and invited to interview.