Appendix 3
Letter to Rt Hon Chris Grayling
MP, Secretary of State for Justice, from Rt Hon Sir Alan Beith
MP, Chair of the Justice Select Committee
The recruitment of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector
of Prisons
Thank you for your letter of 17 December regarding
plans to appoint a new Chief Inspector of Prisons, which included
information on the job description and criteria that will be used
in the recruitment process for the role. I have a few specific
comments regarding your proposed essential criteria which you
may wish to consider in advance of launching the advert.
First, I note that the 'core competencies' that were
used in 2010 prior to the current Chief Inspector's appointment
included an emphasis on ensuring and maintaining the independence
and objectivity of the role, as well as credibility with the public.
In comparison, the proposed essential criteria for the planned
recruitment process this time round lack any requirements in this
regard. The independence of the Chief Inspector is of great importance,
particularly in ensuring the public's trust in the findings and
recommendations of the Inspectorate, and I would therefore suggest
that you include an emphasis in this regard within the essential
criteria for the role.
I also note that although not essential, a strong
understanding of current and recent reforms, particularly in relation
to the transformation of offender management services, is likely
to be considered important in the recruitment process. While an
appreciation of such issues is of course important, I do not believe
a strong understanding of current Government policy in this area
should be given such emphasis in the job advertisement or the
ensuing recruitment process.
Finally, your letter outlines a proposed timetable
for the recruitment process. As I have previously mentioned in
correspondence, given uncertainty with regards to the exact date
of the dissolution of Parliament, it is important that the recruitment
process allows good time for the Committee to hold a pre-appointment
hearing with the preferred candidate, preferably in early March.
I hope you find these suggestions of use, and I look
forward to discussing this important role further with your preferred
candidate upon their appearance before the Committee in the New
Year.
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