Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board - Non-executive member appointments: FOI release

Information requested

Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board - Non-executive Member Appointments advertised from 9 January 2023 with a closing date for applications of 31 January 2023:

1. How many completed applications were received?
2. How many candidates were shortlisted?
3. Who prepared the shortlist?
4. Who is due to sit on the interview panel, and will this include SG Health Dept officials and or other NHS Non Execs?
5. How many candidates applied from the Wigtownshire area of D&G?
6. Were the very specific candidate requirements drawn from deficiencies in the Board’s skills matrix, and if so may I have sight of this?
7. How many candidates applied in each of the three specific areas, and how many have been shortlisted in each area?
8. How many candidates are being interviewed who have not indicated that they are from a group with a protected characteristic?
9. What are the rules regarding length of term for health board chairs, and in particular is it permissible to complete 2 terms as a chair on one board, and then be reappointed (almost immediately) to another board as chair and restart the clock?
10. What are the regulations regarding the appointment of former SG health dept officials to senior non exec appointments on NHS Boards, incl. Chairs?

Response

1. How many completed applications were received?
   38 completed applications were received and considered by the selection panel.
2. How many candidates were shortlisted?
   12 candidates were shortlisted for interview.
3. Who prepared the shortlist?
   The interview shortlist was prepared and agreed by the selection panel, full details of the panel were in the information pack and are included below for ease of reference.

• Panel Chair: Victoria Bowman, Deputy Director, Health Workforce Pay, Practice and Partnership, Scottish Government
• Panel Member: Nick Morris, Chair, NHS Dumfries & Galloway
• Panel Member: Kay Hampton, Public Appointments Adviser, Office of the Ethical Standards Commissioner

4. Who is due to sit on the interview panel, and will this include SG Health Dept officials and or other NHS Non Execs?
   The selection panel will also conduct all interviews. Details are as provided above.
5. How many candidates applied from the Wigtownshire area of D&G?
   We are unable to provide an answer as an exemption under Section 38 (1)(b) Personal data of a third party applies.
6. Were the very specific candidate requirements drawn from deficiencies in the Board’s skills matrix, and if so may I have sight of this?
   As outlined in the applicant information pack the selection panel asked candidates to demonstrate experience and evidence in one of three essential criteria. This was drawn from succession planning undertaken by Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board.
   
   While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold this information requested. However, you may wish to contact Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board on this. The reason why we do not hold this information is explained in the Annex to this letter.
7. How many candidates applied in each of the three specific areas, and how many have been shortlisted in each area?

Essential Criterion	Applied	Shortlisted
1 - An understanding of the economic development, deprivation, and inequality challenges facing the communities of Wigtownshire	8	1
2 - Direct experience of working in a complex organisation outwith the public sector at a senior level.	15	5
3 - Personal experience of accessing, or supporting someone in accessing, health and/or social care service for a range of conditions.	15	6

8. How many candidates are being interviewed who have not indicated that they are from a group with a protected characteristic?
   We are unable to provide an answer as an exemption under Section 38 (1)(b) Personal data of a third party applies.
9. What are the rules regarding length of term for health board chairs, and in particular is it permissible to complete 2 terms as a chair on one board, and then be reappointed (almost immediately) to another board as chair and restart the clock?
   Health board chairs are limited to a maximum term of eight years on any one board. It would be possible for a board chair to be appointed to another board as you outline, if they were judged to be the most able candidate (or one of the most able candidates) by the selection panel.
10. What are the regulations regarding the appointment of former SG health dept officials to senior non exec appointments on NHS Boards, including Chairs?
    Guidance depends on the level of seniority, but permission to apply may be required for up to two years after leaving the Civil Service. Former SG Health Directorate officials applying to such roles would be required to declare any potential conflicts of interest which would be fully discussed with the selection panel.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 38(1)(a) personal data and section 38(1)(b) personal data of a third party FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why we these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI - 202300344230 - Annex

File type

1 page PDF

File size

93.6 kB