The Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland is responsible for the OCPAS (Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland) Code of Practice that governs Ministerial appointments to the public bodies in Scotland specified in Schedule 2 to the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003. The Code is based on the following seven principles of public life:
1. Ministerial Responsibility - the ultimate responsibility for appointment and recommendation for appointment rests with Scottish Ministers.
2. Merit - all public appointments are governed by the overriding principle of selection based on merit. Individuals selected are those who have demonstrated that they best match the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required for the appointment in question.
3. Equality - accessibility to appointments is a fundamental requirement and the appointments process promotes and demonstrates equality of opportunity and treatment of all applicants.
4. Probity and Respect - everyone engaged in the public appointments process must act with integrity and demonstrate respect for all others involved in the process.
5. Independent Scrutiny - independent scrutiny is vital to the public appointments process. An OCPAS Assessor must be involved at each stage of the selection process and must confirm that the OCPAS Code has been followed before an appointment can be made.
6. Openness and Transparency - the practices employed at every stage in an appointment round must be transparent. Decisions taken at each stage must reflect the OCPAS Code and be fully documented.
7. Proportionality - the practices employed during each appointment round must be appropriate for the specific post and the nature and function of the public body concerned.
To view a copy of the Code click here (PDF file).