Appendix 3 - The method of appointment to board positions for the British Broadcasting Corporation[1]

Principles underpinning the Code of Practice

Ministerial responsibility

The ultimate responsibility for appointments is with ministers.

Merit

All public appointments should be governed by the overriding principle of selection based on merit, by the well-informed choice of individuals who through their abilities, experience and qualities match the need of the public body in question.

Independent scrutiny

No appointment will take place without first being scrutinised by an independent panel or by a group including membership independent of the department filling the post.

Equal opportunities

Departments should sustain programs to deliver equal opportunities principles.

Probity

Board members of public bodies must be committed to the principles and values of public service and perform their duties with integrity.

Openness and transparency

The principles of open government must be applied to the appointments process, its working must be transparent and information provided about the appointments made.

Proportionality

The appointments procedures need to be subject to the principle of proportionality, that is they should be appropriate for the nature of the post and the size and weight of its responsibilities.

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