Independent scrutiny is a key element of the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice and Guidance on Appointments to Public Bodies (PDF File). It is the role of OCPAS Assessors to ensure that the Code is applied fairly and transparently.
OCPAS Assessors come from all backgrounds. They act as the 'guardians' of the Commissioner's Code of Practice for Public Appointments. As such they have a central role to play in the appointments process by direct involvement in sifting applications and sitting on interview panels. They must be prepared to draw the attention of the selection panel to any shortcomings that arise during the appointments process, and have the ability to express themselves assertively either to senior officials, Ministers or the Commissioner.
The Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland is responsible for recruiting and training OCPAS Assessors.
Assessors are paid a daily fee and are called upon to sit on appointments panels on an ad hoc basis.
The following link is the current list of OCPAS Assessors in Scotland: OCPAS Assessors on the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Website.