§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the post of Police Ombudsman was created; when the post was first advertised and how many applications were received; what qualifications were required and in what ways all of the first applicants failed to meet those requirements; how many applications were received as a consequence of the second advertisement; how many of those applicants met the criteria set out; and if there were differences in the qualifications required by the two advertisements. [94778]
§ Mr. IngramThe post of Police Ombudsman was created by the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998. It is expected that the Police Ombudsman will assume her full statutory powers next Summer. In the meantime, Mrs. O'Loan will act in a designate capacity.
The post was first advertised both locally and nationally between 30 November and 3 December 1998. There were 18 applicants.
Applicants were asked to describe how they met the competencies for the post. These were: leadership and teamwork; organisational awareness/knowledge; developing and maintaining networks; managing financial and physical resources; and customer service.
Of the applications received, five candidates were subsequently shortlisted for interview by a panel which included a person independent of Government. From this group two candidates were selected for subsequent interview by the Secretary of State and the Minister of State. In the event, while Ministers acknowledged the quality of the candidates, they were not satisfied that either candidate fully met the requirements of the post.
The post was readvertised both locally and nationally and in local legal journals between the 20–25 May 1999. Forty-seven applications were subsequently received. The range of competencies for the post were identified as: legal skills; leadership/strategic planning; developing and maintaining networks; public relations and decision making. From the applications received, nine candidates were shortlisted for interview by a panel which included a person who was independent of Government. The two leading candidates were subsequently interviewed by the Secretary of State and myself.
It would not be appropriate to discuss the merits or otherwise of individual candidates. The selection process followed the guidelines of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The underlining principle of this guidance is appointment on merit.