Independent scrutiny is a key element of the appointment process. For appointments to non-NHS bodies in Scotland, at least one Independent Assessor sits on every interview panel. The Independent Assessor is expected to play an active role in the appointment process to ensure that the procedures employed by the Executive in making the appointments are fair and are applied consistently. In short, Independent Assessors act as the 'guardians' of the Commissioner's governing principles and they must satisfy themselves that these are followed.
Ministers are grateful for all the work that the assessors do.
However there is a perception that they are not able to act completely independently precisely because Ministers appoint them. It is also felt that they too need to reflect the diversity of the people of Scotland. The position and role of independent assessors is being considered by the Commissioner who is expected to set out her views on this subject shortly. The aim would be to ensure that independents were genuinely independent and also that they meet standard criteria relating to competence and relevant experience. Another way of strengthening the independent element would be to increase the number of independent members on some or all Executive appointment panels.