HL Deb 06 October 2003 vol 653 c40WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What procedure is used to appoint the chairman of the Board of Governors of the BBC; and whether they have any plans to review that mechanism. HL4593]

Lord Mclntosh of Haringey

The Chair of the BBC Governors is appointed by the Queen on recommendation of the Prime Minister following advice from my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Candidates are identified through an open and transparent process that is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This includes advertising in the national press, consideration against a published range of criteria and interview by a panel including an independent assessor.

There are no current plans to change the appointments mechanism, although the commissioner regularly reviews her code. The forthcoming review of the BBC's Royal Charter will provide an opportunity to examine all aspects of the corporation's role and function, including appointments provision for the chairman of the board.

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