Business Appointment Rules

HC 404, Third Report of Session 2012-13 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Commons - Public Administration Select Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £15.50

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According to the report 'Business Appointment Rules (HC 404)' the current Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACoBA) lacks adequate powers and resources, does not have appropriate membership for its function, and should be abolished.

The Committee recommends that the Government legislate to establish a statutory ethics regulation with a code of conduct and enforceable statutory penalties, overseen by an independent ethics Commissioner.

The new Commissioner would also take over the role of the Prime Minister's Adviser on Ministers' Interests, who advises on ministerial conduct. Enforceable statutory penalties should be introduced for failing to comply with the Commissioner's recommendations.

Changes to public service delivery, including the outsourcing of public sector functions and the active promotion of interchange between sectors, are blurring the boundaries between the public sector and other organisations. This could present greater opportunities for public officials to use their position for personal gain, and may give rise to public concern about the probity of former, and serving public officials.

The Committee says that ACoBA's procedures are opaque and not helpful to departing public officials, who may need guidance about what appointments may be regarded as inappropriate for them.

Extent	120 pages	ISBN	9780215047328
Size	A4	Price	£15.50
Format	Paperback	Published	25 Jul 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges