§ Lord Cocks of Hartcliffeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the total number of applicants for the post of Chairman of the Arts Council of England; and [HL2684]
Where and when the vacancy for the post of Chairman of the Arts Council of England was advertised; and [HL2685]
Who was the executive search consultant used to seek applications for the post of Chairman of the Arts Council of England; and [HL2686]
What was the total cost of the recruitment process for the post of the Chairman of the Arts Council of England; and [HL2687]
How the new Chairman of the Arts Council of England was appointed and by whom; and [HL2688]
Whether interviews were held for the post of Chairman of the Arts Council of England; and, if so, 170WA who were the interviewers, who selected them and what criteria were used. [HL2689]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Chairman of the Arts Council of England was appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport following an open competition. The firm of Goddard Kay Rogers and Associates Ltd. was selected by competitive tender to provide executive search services. Advertisements for the post of Chairman were placed in theSunday Times on 16 November 1997 and in The Times on 20 November 1997. A total of 19 applicants was identified. Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a panel consisting of Sir Hayden Phillips, then Permanent Secretary at the Department, Sir Len Peach, Commissioner for Public Appointments, and Lord Attenborough. Interview panels are selected for their knowledge of the sector, the organisation concerned and the appointments process. Sir Len Peach, in his capacity as Commissioner for Public Appointments, was content with these arrangements. Direct costs of approximately £45,500 were incurred for executive search services and advertising. In addition, there were associated staff costs.