Annex A

Principles of Appointment and Scrutiny
Adapted from the Code of Practice for Public Appointments in Scotland

Outcome-focused
Decisions and actions taken at each stage of an appointment process will enable the Board to appoint the applicant(s) who best demonstrate their merit in relation to the role and their ability to contribute effectively to the work of the board.

Applicant-focused
Applicants will experience an accessible, open and fair process that ensures confidentiality and provides equality of opportunity. They will receive accurate and constructive feedback that enables them to take appropriate action in relation to future appointment opportunities.

Appropriate
Decisions and actions taken at each stage of an appointment round will be tailored to the role to be filled and will demonstrate effective use of resources. Decisions and actions will be clear, will promote and demonstrate equality, will be accurately recorded and will be open to board scrutiny.

Independence
The Appointment panel must be independent and must not be constrained by special interests in reaching its decisions.

Transparency and Accountability
The process must be transparent with the board clearly accountable for decisions.

Aims of the appointment process
The skills and knowledge needed by the board are clear

Gaps to be filled are identified

An appropriate plan guides appointment activity

A range of able people is attracted to apply

Appropriate methods are used to identify the most able people

The most able people are recommended for appointment

The most able people are appointed and meet the needs of the board

People have confidence in the appointments made

The skills and knowledge needed by the board are maintained

Appointment decisions are communicated