National Statistician’s advisory committees and panels (original) (raw)
Process for Appointments to the National Statistician’s Advisory Committees
1. Clear criteria for Appointments
Develop well-defined qualification and expertise criteria for potential committee members.
Ensure the criteria include a balance of technical, analytical, and user-focused skills.
Publicly share the required qualifications and experience, ensuring alignment with the National Statistician’s needs.
2. Transparent applications process
Introduce an open and widely publicised call for applications or nominations, detailing the role, responsibilities, and requirements.
Set up a dedicated web page outlining how candidates can apply or be nominated, ensuring clarity in the steps involved.
Include a clearly communicated timeline with key milestones (application opening, deadline, review, and appointment).
3. Publicise opportunities broadly
Advertise vacancies on the UK Statistics Authority website and professional networks, including stakeholder and user groups.
Ensure outreach to diverse communities to broaden the pool of applicants and reflect a range of user experiences and perspectives.
4. Structured and fair selection process
Establish a selection panel that includes both internal representatives and independent, external members to ensure balanced and objective decision-making.
Publish the selection process, including how applicants will be assessed against the criteria.
Ensure transparency by publicly documenting the selection process, from initial shortlisting to final appointments.
5. Publish Appointment outcomes
Publicly announce appointments, including a brief biography of the selected individuals and an explanation of how they meet the published criteria.
Make transparent the number of applications, and overall selection process, fostering openness.
6. Establish term limits for members
Fixed Terms: Members will serve for a standard term of 3 years, ensuring regular turnover.
Maximum Tenure: Members may serve up to two consecutive terms (6 years), after which they must ordinarily step down for a specified period before being eligible to reapply.
Exceptions: By exception, the National Statistician may wish to appoint members for a third and final term and will publicise the rationale for this decision.
Staggered Terms: Introduce staggered term appointments to ensure continuity, with overlapping terms allowing the committee to retain institutional knowledge.
7. Succession planning
Begin recruitment processes well in advance of term expirations to avoid gaps in committee membership.
Encourage outgoing members to mentor new appointees, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining the operational integrity of the committees.