The chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has called for “urgent” clarity on the governance of the post-government jobs watchdog, with Eric Pickles leaving at the end of this month.
Pickles is set to depart his role as chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments on Monday after five years leading the watchdog’s work.
In a letter to McFadden, published yesterday, PACAC chair Simon Hoare said: “It is now less than a week until the end of Lord Pickles’ term and it remains unclear whether there are interim arrangements and, if so, what those are.
“It is imperative that the work of Acoba continues uninterrupted until a permanent appointment is made. I would be grateful for an urgent update on what interim arrangements are being put in place.”
Hoare added that Acoba’s work is “vital in managing any potential conflicts of interest arising in the careers of former ministers and senior officials and those who do the right thing in consulting Acoba before taking up new roles are entitled to receive swift advice”.
CSW understands that ministers are currently considering candidates for a new interim chair of Acoba to ensure there is continuity of leadership and hope to provide an update shortly.
The chair leads Acoba's work, which involves independently advising the government, former ministers, senior civil servants and other crown servants on the rules around taking employment after leaving their jobs.
The last recruitment campaign ended without a hire being made because the preferred candidate had to withdraw for personal reasons. McFadden, the chancellor of the Duchy of the Lancaster, informed PACAC on 27 February that the government intended to appoint an interim chair “to ensure a smooth transition and continuity” for Acoba.
He said he would update the committee once an interim appointment has been confirmed by the prime minister.