§ Lord Hoyleasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, prior to the appointment of governors by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the posts are advertised; what criteria are used in the filling of these posts; and who short lists the candidates and interviews them. [HL2413]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)The appointment of a new governor to any British Overseas Territory is a decision made by Her Majesty the Queen on the basis of advice from the Secretary of State and with the approval of the Prime Minister. The appointments are not normally advertised. The criteria used depend on the circumstances of the post to be filled and the responsibilities involved.
Detailed information on individual appointments is exempt from disclosure under Part II, Section 8 (a and b) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which covers public employment and public appointments. The disclosure of personal data of appointments to governorships would also be restricted by the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.