Following a pre-appointment hearing on 16 September the Public
Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee have endorsed
the Government’s preferred candidate for Commissioner for Public
Appointments, William Shawcross.
During the session, he was questioned about the relevance of his
previous experience, the extent of his commitment to improving
diversity in public appointments and how he could command the
confidence of the public.
In its report, the Committee expressed its frustration at the
routine failure of the Government to meet deadlines to allow for
thorough scrutiny of its preferred candidates, especially where
terms are fixed and succession times can be planned. Former
Cabinet Office Minister told the Committee earlier this year that he had urged
all departments to ensure better preparation for appointments.
The Committee continue to monitor the situation.
Mr Shawcross, previously Chair of the Charity Commission, has
spent much of his life as a writer and commentator concentrating
on international affairs. He will replace Peter Riddell, who’s
5-year term had been up in April but extended until 30 September
to allow for the delayed recruitment process.
The Commissioner independently oversees Government appointments
to over 300 public bodies, the chiefs of Ofcom and Ofgem among
them, to ensure they are fair, transparent and that there are no
conflicts of interest. Consequently, integrity, confidence of
politicians and the public and an understanding of governance are
essential to the role.
