Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what age limit is placed on appointments to public bodies in his Department; if this limit is mentioned in advertisements for such posts; and what the basis for this limit is. [158104]
§ Mr. RookerFor non-judicial public appointments made in the Department no age limits apply. Age is not a criterion of the job or person specification and advertisements make no reference to age. The Department follows the guidance of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments and does not discriminate on the ground of age.
For part-time judicial office-holders, which includes the Pensions Ombudsman and members of the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority, an upper age limit of 70 applies. This is now referred to in advertisements for posts. This upper age limit was introduced following the Lord Chancellor's review of the terms of service of part-time judicial office-holders.