This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Guidance for members of public bodies
28/02/2003
Guidance which aims to improve the performance of board members on Scottish public bodies was published today.
The On Board document provides board members with the necessary information and training to ensure they can carry out their duties to the highest standards.
The guidelines coincide with the publication of the annual report on appointments made to Scottish public bodies.
As in previous years, the report aims to increase public confidence in the way in which these appointments are made and underlines the Executive's commitment to openness and transparency.
Finance and Public Services Minister Andy Kerr said:
"Public bodies play a crucial role in providing advice and delivering public services which everyone in Scotland relies on.
"However the roles and responsibilities of public bodies are becoming more demanding than ever which is why it is so vital that board members are given the necessary information and training to ensure the service they deliver is of the highest standard. I am certain this guide will act as a valuable source of advice and ensure that public appointments are effective and fulfilling.
"I am also pleased to be publishing our second annual report on appointments to Scottish public bodies.
"I am particularly pleased to report that this year's statistical figures show some increase in the number of appointees who have a disability or are from a minority ethnic background. The Executive is committed to achieving a better representation of all sections of society on the boards of Scottish public bodies.
"I believe these actions clearly demonstrate that the Executive remains fully committed to an effective, accountable and open public appointments system which is based on merit and reflects Scottish society as a whole."
Under the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice, appointments to all bodies covered by this Report must be subject to independent scrutiny. No appointment may be made unless an Independent Assessor has been involved in the process. Details of the independent assessors who have been appointed to carry out this task are included in this report.
The Executive introduced the Parliamentary Notification System in May 2002 as an integral part of the appointment process. Details of all vacancies are now sent to Parliament and a wide range of external organisations.
The Executive introduced the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Bill on June 17, 2002. A central aim of the Bill is to establish a separate Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland.
The Commissioner will be appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Scottish Parliament. As now, the role of the Commissioner will be to regulate the appointments process by prescribing and publishing a Code of Practice and overseeing compliance with the Code by Ministers. However, the Commissioner will also have the power to inform the Parliament if the Code is breached and will be responsible for drawing up a diversity strategy for public appointments in collaboration with the Executive, the Parliament and others. The Bill completed its passage through the Scottish Parliament on 5 February 2003.
The current UK Commissioner will continue to discharge her current remit in respect of appointments by Scottish Ministers until the Scottish Commissioner is in place.