Overview

This bill mandates that UK government ministers consider including at least one person with relevant experience from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland on the boards of public bodies when making appointments. The aim is to improve representation from the devolved nations.

Description

The Public Bodies (Representation from Devolved Nations) Bill requires UK Ministers to consider the desirability of appointing at least one individual with relevant experience from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland to the boards of public bodies. This duty applies to both the Ministers' direct actions in making or approving appointments and any guidance they issue on the appointment process. However, the bill explicitly excludes appointments falling under the legislative competence of the devolved parliaments and assemblies (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). A "public body" is defined as any body or person whose functions are, wholly or partly, of a public nature.

The bill will come into effect 30 days after it receives Royal Assent and will extend to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to directly increase or decrease government spending. The cost will be administrative, relating to the consideration of candidates from the devolved nations during the appointment process.

Groups Affected

• UK Government Ministers: They will have a new duty to consider representation from the devolved nations when making appointments to public bodies.
• Public Bodies: Their boards may see increased diversity in representation from the devolved nations.
• Individuals from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland: They will have increased opportunities for appointment to the boards of UK public bodies.

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