§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action his Department has taken in
1196Wresponse to the comments in the Seventh report by the Commissioner for Public Appointments concerning (a) an independent element in interviews undertaken by HM Treasury and (b) performance assessment systems; and if he will make a statement. [72676]
§ Ruth Kelly(a) HM Treasury is already fully compliant with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments that requires an independent member to form part of any appointments panel. In the past, we have used fully independent members who understand Treasury business, and who are familiar with the nature of the relationship between the Treasury and its public and other bodies. We will ensure—for the future—that such independent members receive formal training from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
(b) We will consider whether it is appropriate to introduce more formal performance assessment processes for any bodies that currently have only informal systems in place.