§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Minister for Women if she will list the initiatives she has organised in each of the last three years to attract more women into public appointments and their cost; and if she will make a statement. [99035]
§ Ms HewittDuring 2000–02 we introduced two electronic databases, the first to create a pool of good quality potential applicants, focusing particularly on310W women, members of ethnic minority groups and those with disabilities, and the second to allow more effective monitoring of those currently holding appointments. The total cost of the system, of which the databases form a part, was £600,000.
All DTI Directorates were required to draw up and maintain equal opportunities plans for their public bodies spelling out how they intended to achieve their overall goals. We also evaluated all appointments procedures that produced good results in terms of equal opportunities to identify best practice and disseminated the results to other appointments teams. No additional costs were incurred.
During 2002, along with my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), I led a National Outreach Programme to increase the numbers of women applying for public appointments. The cost was £575,551 (excluding VAT).
On 11 December 2002 we launched a practical informative guide to help more women find out about public appointments, and encourage more women to apply for them. The cost of this was £4 a pack. Approximately 2,600 packs have been distributed.
During 2002 we actively sought women candidates for appointment to the Boards of the Regional Development Agencies. Members of the appointments team took part in the National Outreach Programme and the Regional Offices issued promotional material specifically directed at women candidates. The cost of this was approximately £5,000.