National Statistician’s advisory committees and panels

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.