The Government relies on a wide range of public bodies to deliver its policies. Appointments are made in various ways, depending on the type of work of particular bodies, and whether they operate at national or local level. This page describes the process for appointments to national executive and advisory quangos, NHS bodies, nationalised industries and public corporations.
Many departments now advertise appointments in the press.
Some also post current opportunities on their websites. For more information on other kinds of bodies, click here . There are around 35,000 public appointments, of which up to 8,000 come up for appointment or reappointment in any year. Each Minister appoints members to the bodies linked to his or her Department's work. In some cases this is done after consulting the Prime Minister.