Public appointments
Becoming a public appointee is an exciting step. You have the opportunity to help improve the delivery of public services and also the chance to develop your own experience and learn new skills.
Whatever your background and achievements so far, it is worth considering being a public appointee. While sometimes specific experience is required, often a passion and commitment for making a contribution in public life is what is wanted.
From 2005-2010 the UKRC ran a pioneering highly-successful public bodies mentoring scheme linking current board members with women aspiring to public body work. We currently offer training and consultancy support to organisations wanting to encourage women into leadership positions, including public appointments.
What is a public body?
Public bodies make important decisions that shape the quality of our lives and public services. They include organisations such as:
- the governing bodies of local hospitals
- the Science Council
- government advisory bodies
- the Competition Commission
Where to get help
- join GetSET Women to receive regular information about public appointment opportunities
- see the list of useful resources and links below
Applying for a Public Appointment: Guidance on completing the Application Form
A short guide to completing an application has been developed to support the campaign to increase women's participation on SET related public bodies. This booklet has been designed to give guidance on completing application forms for public appointments.
Professor Averil Macdonald, Trustee of the National Museums of Science & Industry talks about why you should apply for a position on a public body.
Nicola Spence, Chief Executive of Science City, York and Board Member of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew:
“Applying for a role on a public body is completely different to applying for a job – that’s why it helps so much to have a mentor.”
Useful websites
The Appointments Commission
Manages the appointments process for a number of government departments including the NHS. The website has a list of their current vacancies.
The Cabinet Office
Provides details of all current vacancies on boards of UK public bodies and on a range of government committees.
Common Purpose is an international, not-for-profit organisation that has been running leadership courses and workshops for over 20 years. They aim to give people the skills, connections and inspiration they need to become better leaders both at work and in society.
Women Making a Difference is a project that has transformed the lives of hundreds of women across Wales. The courses run by the project have given women the confidence and skills to be able to take an active role at every level in their communities and in public life.
Direct Gov website
A good introduction to the role of public bodies and how you can apply to be a public appointee.
Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments in England and Wales (OCPA)
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates the processes by which Ministers (including Welsh Assembly Government Ministers) make appointments to the boards of national and regional public bodies.
Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland (OCPAS)
OCPAS regulates and monitors the way in which ministerial appointments are made to the boards of many of Scotland’s public bodies.
The Commissioner for Public Appointments in Northern Ireland (CPANI)
CPANI has a central policy responsibility for public appointments in Northern Ireland and advertises current vacancies.
The Women's National Commission (WNC)
The WNC is no longer active, however, they have a useful Women in Public Life section on their website.
