IPSA board selection and accountability

Request

I would like to know what the selection process is for a candidate to become employed by the ISPA and also who was responsible for drawing up this selection process?

I would also like to know what checks and balances are n place to protect the tax payer against bad decisions made by the ISPA and what mechanisms are in place to hold the ISPA accountable for the decisions that are made.


Response

IPSA holds some of the information that you request.

IPSA is an independent body established by the Parliamentary Standards Act (PSA) 2009 (as amended by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010).  Decisions are made by IPSA’s Board in accordance with IPSA’s statutory responsibilities and accountabilities, as set out by the legislation.  Further information on the PSA 2009 (as amended) is available via the following link to the UK Legislation website: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/13/contents

As you may be aware, IPSA consists of a Board, and executive staff: who carry out the day-to-day administrative functions, including validating and paying MPs’ claims for business costs and expenses and paying the salaries and pensions of MPs and their staff.

The statutory process for the appointment of Board members was established in Schedule 1 of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009.  I have attached a copy of Schedule 1 for your reference.  Information on the most recent appointment of members to IPSA’s Board is detailed in an Explanatory Memorandum prepared by the House of Commons vote office.  Please also find attached a copy of that memorandum.

IPSA’s executive staff members are appointed on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition.  For most positions, IPSA requires the submission of a CV, followed by a face-to-face interview with the recruiting manager and an independent panel member.  For more senior roles, depending on the level, the selection process may also include a range of psychometric tests, a competency based interview and a presentation made to the CEO, a member of the IPSA board and an independent panel member.

Ref:
F1314-179
Disclosure:
20 January 2014
Categories:
IPSA - BOARD
Exemptions Applied: