Scrutiny of Research Council appointments
3. Between 2003 and 2007, prior to the introduction
of pre-appointment hearings, the former Science and Technology
Committee held introductory hearings with newly appointed Chairmen
and Chief Executives of Research Councils soon after they had
taken up their posts.[5]
These hearings aimed to "satisfy parliament that the post
has been filled with someone of sufficient calibre", and
to facilitate understanding of the role and interests of both
parties.[6] Following the
Governance of Britain proposals, the Committee stated:
We are pleased that the Government is taking steps
to involve select committees more fully in the scrutiny of public
appointments. We believe that pre-appointment hearings with the
relevant Select Committee will improve accountability and help
ensure that the right people are appointed to key positions. We
recommend that Chairpersons and Chief Executives of the Research
Councils be included in the proposed list of appointments that
should be subject to these hearings.[7]
4. Such appointments were not originally included
in the Government's list of posts to be subject to pre-appointment
hearings. They were proposed by our Chairman during the Liaison
Committee consultation,[8]
and the Government's response included Research Council Chairs
in a revised list of suitable posts.[9]
5. The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities
and Skills, the Rt Hon John Denham MP, wrote to the Chairman on
6 April 2009 indicating that Dr Alan Gillespie CBE had been identified
as the preferred candidate for the post of Chair of the Economic
and Social Research Council (ESRC).[10]
We were pleased to have the opportunity to question Dr Gillespie
prior to his appointment.
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