In 2013-14, the total appointments and reappointments of women onto national and regional public boards reached 39.3% — a 3.7 point increase on 2012-13. There was also a marked increase in the percentage of ethnic minorities appointed to boards, with the figure rising form 5.5% in 2012-13 to 7.7% in 2013-14.
As commissioner for public appointments, Normington regulates the processes by which ministers appoint to public boards.
In his annual report, Normington references the various considerations recruiters need to make in order to attract candidates from minority groups: “in attracting candidates from minority communities, it really matters how you get information about the vacancies to those communities; how the role is described; what kind of experience is sought; and whether there are people in similar board positions from those communities who can act as role models.”
He also comments on the impact the press can have on recruitment when it reports that particular candidates have already been lined-up for roles: “One thing, we know, that puts off potential candidates is when they get the impression from ‘well-placed sources’ or media reporting that a favoured candidate has already been lined up for a particular vacancy. While press reporting focuses on about 1% of high profile appointments it can have a disproportionate influence on attitudes to public appointments.”
“It can create a view that appointment depends on personal favouritism or political preference; which in turn reinforces the impression of an elite perpetuating itself.”
Normington goes on to add that “only 107 appointees and reappointees (5.0%) declared political activity in 2013-14, compared with 9.0% in 2012-13. This is the lowest figure in the last ten years.”
He also comments: “The progress that has been made in attracting women board members shows what can be achieved when the government itself gives a lead,” and he urged government to maintain momentum through other forms of diversity engagement in the coming year.