This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Public boards guarantee interviews for disabled
29/10/2001
The immediate introduction of a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who apply for appointment to the boards of public bodies sponsored by the Executive was announced today.
Finance and Local Government Minister Angus MacKay said that the Executive was committed to ensuring that disabled people are given every opportunity to make a contribution to the governance of Scotland by serving as chairs or non-executive members of the boards of public bodies.
The new scheme is designed to guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability that affects the work they can do provided their application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
"This is one of a series of measures to reform the public appointments system in Scotland, as detailed in my statement to Parliament on the outcome of the Review of Public Bodies on June 21," he said. "This is an important step in delivering on our commitment to open up public appointments to currently under-represented groups."
The essential criteria for a post are those detailed in the publicised Person Specification for the post in question. The decision on whether or not a candidate satisfies the essential criteria will be determined by the Departmental Advisory Panel for the post which will involve an independent assessor.
To be eligible an applicant must consider that they have a disabilty as defined by the Disability Discrimunation Act 1995 or consider they that have a disabilty which affects the work they can do.
The new guaranteed interview scheme for public appointments mirrors the Executive's commitment as an employer to the Employment Service Disabilty Symbol Scheme.