§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria were used in the selection of the new chief executive of the Prison Service Agency; what steps were taken to ensure a fair and open competition; if the selected candidate was the first recommendation of the selection panel; and what is to be the salary of the appointee.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. and learned Friend announced on 21 December, Mr. Derek Lewis was appointed chief executive and director general of the new Prison Service Agency in an open competition conducted under the aegis of the Civil Service Commissioners. The Recruitment and Assessment Services issued a public advertisement and Saxton Bamfylde International plc conducted an executive search. The advertisement stated that the successful candidate would need to have experience, most probably at chief executive level, of leading a substantial organisation in the public or private sector; a track record of successful management of large-scale change, delivering improved quality and efficiency; and first-class communication skills and good judgment appropriate to the leadership of a highly complex and sensitive public service. In accordance with the normal practice the recommendations of the selection panel are confidential. Mr. Lewis's salary is £125,000 a year and he is eligible for a performance bonus of up to 35 per cent. of basic salary, assessed by the Department on the basis of measures of performance.