5 Our questioning
15. Mr Sells' track record in a number of senior
posts in the commercial sector establishes that he has been able
to lead large organisations effectively. However taking responsibility
for the leadership of Natural England, with a budget of £194
million and about 2,300 staff, and with responsibilities, among
other things, for delivering the agri-environment components of
the latest iteration of the Common Agricultural Policy, requires
outstanding skills and personal qualities. Our questioning was
therefore designed to test in the extent to which he possesses
those qualities. We questioned Mr Sells about his personal and
political independence, his professional competence and the recruitment
process. We also discussed key policy issues surrounding Natural
England's mission. Areas of questioning included:
· his suitability for the role, including
his previous experience;
· his personal and political independence,
and ability to cope with any potential conflicts, and
· the current and future priorities for
Natural England.
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