The review will explore why the proportion of
applicants for public appointments who declare a
disability, is low compared to the UK population as a
whole. It will also explore how the process could be
improved, to encourage more applications from disabled
people.
It is part of the Government’s Diversity Action Plan
which also includes an ambition that by 2022, half of
all public appointees should be female and 14% should
be from ethnic minorities, bringing representation on
public boards in line with the wider population of
England and Wales.
Public appointments are high profile and influential
positions on boards of public bodies which run,
regulate and advise our public service. These can
include Chairs and other senior non-executive positions
and range from Court Visitors to Commissioners and
Ombudsmen.
Minister for Implementation, said:
It is essential that public appointees are truly
representative of the society they serve. Diverse
public boards are more effective, benefiting from
fresh perspectives, new ideas, vigorous challenge and
broad experiences. It is both morally right to ensure
greater participation from disabled people but I also
believe it will lead to better decision-making.
I’m thrilled to announce that Lord Holmes will be
leading the review. He combines expertise in
accessibility, diversity and inclusion, as well as a
wealth of personal experience on public boards.
The MBE said:
I’m delighted that the government is looking
seriously at this issue. Public appointments play a
fundamental role in shaping society as well as within
the organisations themselves. I look forward to
working with the government to better understand and
improve the recruitment process so that we can
address the reality that whilst talent is everywhere,
opportunity is not.
Today’s announcement was made at the Public Chairs’
Forum Diversity, Inclusion and Equality for Boards
event, where the Minister spoke to Chairs of Public
Bodies about his ambition for diversity in public
appointments. It follows a commitment made in the
Government’s Diversity Action Plan, launched in
December 2017, to commission a review into the barriers
facing those with visible and non-visible disabilities
when considering public appointments.
