What criteria were used to select the successful candidates for the recent vacancies for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial a…

All applications received were sifted by an appointments panel, not by ministers, against the criteria set out in the person specification and job description. They were approved by the UK Commissioner for Public Appointments.Interviews were carried out by the appointments panel which comprised Dame Rennie Fritchie, UK Commissioner for Public Appointments (acting as Independent Assessor) and two civil servants.Job DescriptionJob Title: Independent Assessor of the Public Appointments ProcessMain Duties:Play a full, visible and active part in the appointments process to ensure that the procedures employed by the Executive in making public appointments are transparent, fair and applied consistently to all candidates.Ensure that the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Public Appointments and the principles on which it is based are followed throughout the selection process in every case.As appropriate, to review the documented procedures relating to the selection of candidates before recommendations are put to ministers, or as part of a scrutiny panel established for individual appointments. As part of a scrutiny panel an Independent Assessor will be involved in shortlisting and interviewing candidates.Whenever necessary, to draw the attention of the selection panel or senior officials, the commissioner or the minister, to any shortcomings that arise during the appointments process.Recording the details of appointments in which you have played a part and retention of this record for at least one year after the appointment has been made to assist the commissioner in the investigations of any complaint that might be made about the way a particular appointment was made.Specific Objectives:To assist ministers in the task of making effective public appointments that command public confidence.To provide an assurance that the appointments process has conformed with the principles and practice set out in the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.To ensure that appointments are made on merit after fair, open and transparent process.Person SpecificationNecessary Skills Sound analytical skillsSound judgementGood written communication skillsGood oral communication skillsAble to express self assertivelyInterpretative skillsProblem solving skillsBe logical and possess common senseDesirable Skills Interviewing techniquesDesirable KnowledgeRecruitment and personnel managementPolicy and processesEqual opportunities legislationAppointment proceduresNecessary ExperienceTeam workingDecision makingDesirable ExperienceCommittee workResolving conflictManagement responsibilitiesOffice administrationRecord keepingQualificationsFormal academic qualifications are not necessary. Skills acquired through non-traditional employment patterns are also recognised.