‘A lack of care, attention and commitment to quality’ has
resulted in yet another ‘archetypical and unimaginative’ choice
for Chair of the Charity Commission, leaving MPs unable to
approve the Government’s preferred candidate for the role.
In a Report published today following Orlando Fraser’s
pre-appointment hearing last week, the DCMS Committee says that
while it has no grounds for concern about the candidate as an
individual, serious concerns about the process and the lack of
diversity in the shortlist mean it can not formally endorse his
selection.
Previous preferred candidate Martin Thomas withdrew from the process just
days after being approved by the Committee four months ago
and the Committee concludes that in failing to re-run the
appointment process, the Department failed to learn from its
mistakes.
To improve trust and respect for the process, the Government
should restore powers to the Appointments Commissioner that were
removed after the Grimstone Review of 2016 and ensure greater
ministerial discipline when it comes to public speculation about
candidates.
Chair's comments
DCMS Committee Chair said:
“The fiasco of four months ago should have jolted the Department
into widening out its search for the very best person to oversee
an organisation that is so vital in ensuring people can support
charities with confidence. By failing to re-run the process and
falling back on a shortlist which would seem to be so lacking in
diversity, Ministers have sadly squandered their second chance.
While we recognise Mr Fraser’s potential to do the job, such a
slapdash and unimaginative approach to his recruitment means we
cannot formally endorse his appointment. This should act as a
warning to the Government. Unless it changes tack, trust in the
process will continue to be damaged and we risk missing out on
getting the most qualified people from all backgrounds for these
very important jobs.”
