Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland – March 2022 version

The Commissioner has published a revised Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland.

The Code came into effect on 3 October 2022.  The Code should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Statutory Guidance.

We are grateful to the many individuals and organisations whose comments and suggestions have led to the publication of this revised Code. An analysis of the responses to our last consultation on the draft Code is available from this link.

The Code is an important tool in securing the appointments of the right people for the right roles. It is rooted in good practice in recruitment and selection and intended to help selection panels design appointment rounds that deliver the skills, knowledge and experience needed as well as being welcoming and accessible to people from all backgrounds. The new Code is unashamedly focused on enabling more creative and ambitious approaches to attracting and appointing the best new board members from the widest possible pool of applicants.

Any appointment rounds which commenced prior to 3rd October 2022 should refer to the CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS TO PUBLIC BODIES IN SCOTLAND 2013