§ Jim DobbinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria were used in appointing members of the Independent Advisory Group on sexual health and HIV. [156477]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe chair and members of the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV were appointed following an open competition and interview process in accordance with the Guidance on Appointments to Public Bodies, issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The committee has specific posts to ensure a wide range of expertise is represented across sexual health. The qualities, experience and skills criteria were made available for the specific and generic requirements for these posts. All applicants were assessed against these criteria. Members have been appointed for a period of four years and are required to subscribe to the code of best practice for board members of public bodies.
§ Jim DobbinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the recommendation of the Independent Advisory Group on sexual health and HIV that the right of parents to opt their child out of sex and relationship education and personal, social and health education on any grounds including those of faith or religion should be explicitly ended. [156478]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonFormal sex and relationship education is taught through compulsory science lessons and during personal/social and health education (PSHE). Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from some, or all, PSHE lessons, but not statutory science lessons. If a parent decides to exercise this right, then the school should provide information about the lessons being missed and ideas for other sources of support for them to fulfil the task of educating their child. We have no plans to remove this right.