Overview

This bill aims to strengthen integrity and ethical standards within the UK public service. It establishes new independent bodies to oversee ministerial conduct, public appointments, and business appointments after leaving public office, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Description

The bill creates three key independent bodies:

Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests:

This adviser will investigate allegations of breaches of the Ministerial Code, advise on and oversee a published list of Ministers' interests, and produce annual reports to Parliament. The Prime Minister appoints the Adviser, following a selection process that ensures merit and transparency, but Parliament can remove the Adviser under specific conditions. The Adviser will not be a Crown servant.

Public Appointments Commissioner:

This Commissioner will audit and improve the processes for public appointments, conducting investigations and inquiries, and ensuring compliance with the Governance Code. The Cabinet Office Minister appoints the Commissioner (with parliamentary oversight). The Commissioner will not be a Crown servant.

Committee on Business Appointments:

This committee will rule on applications for post-government employment by ministers, senior civil servants, and special advisors to avoid conflicts of interest, investigate potential breaches, and provide guidance. The committee will comprise both independent members and members nominated by major political parties, following a selection process that ensures merit and transparency. The committee will not be a Crown servant.

The bill also mandates the publication and regular review of the Ministerial Code and the Governance Code on Public Appointments, as well as the Business Appointment Rules. These codes and rules will outline ethical standards and procedures for public office holders.

Government Spending

The bill will incur costs associated with the salaries, staffing, and operational expenses of the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests, the Public Appointments Commissioner, and the Committee on Business Appointments. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Ministers: Subject to greater scrutiny of their interests and potential conflicts of interest.
• Civil Servants (Senior Grades): Their post-employment activities will be subject to stricter rules and oversight.
• Special Advisers: Their post-employment activities will be subject to stricter rules and oversight.
• Appointing Authorities: Will be subject to audits and investigations by the Public Appointments Commissioner to ensure adherence to the Governance Code.
• Parliament: Will have increased oversight and access to information regarding ministerial standards and public appointments.
• Public: Will benefit from greater transparency and accountability in the public service.

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