Website of the UK government

The selection process

In general:

• the appointment will be made on merit, based on your skills and experience
• the appointment process will be subject to independent scrutiny to ensure it is fair, open and transparent
• the criteria for the post (the skills and qualities required) will be made clear to you - either in the original advertisement or in an information pack (on request)
• you will be asked to complete an application form to show how your skills and qualities suit the post you are applying for
• your application will be assessed - this may involve a formal 'sift' and then an interview or just an informal interview
• the relevant Minister, or appointing authority, will make the final selection from those recommended by the interview panel; and the successful candidate will be sent a letter of appointments and all other applicants informed

More details on the application process for individual appointments will be set out in the advertisement or in the accompanying information pack. These can be accessed online. For more information on which appointments are currently available, use the link below:

• Public Appointments vacancies Opens new window

The Commissioner for Public Appointments

There is an independent Commissioner for Public Appointments who regulates, monitors and reports on public appointments procedures. The Commissioner specifies that appointments must be made on merit and that care must be taken, at every stage, not to discriminate on any grounds.

You can visit the website of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments to find out more about their work:

• Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments Opens new window