HL Deb 23 April 2001 vol 625 cc6-7WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will require counties and unitary authorities to compile and maintain a register of volunteers for public sector appointments and to advertise the register in libraries, town halls, doctors' surgeries, citizens advice bureaux and websites. [HL843]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

There are currently no plans for counties and unitary authorities to compile and maintain a register of volunteers for public sector appointments.

However, the Public Appointments Unit (PAU) in the Cabinet Office maintains a computerised register of people who wish to be considered for appointments to the boards of public bodies. It provides names from the register in response to specific requests from government departments. Anyone can nominate themselves or others for inclusion on the register. Self-nomination is encouraged, and in recent years has become the most common form of nomination. Information about the PAU is sent to a range of organisations on a regular basis, and is also available on the Internet at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango. Individuals with specific interests are also advised to register their names with the relevant government departments.