Community spirited individuals who are interested in playing a part in public life are being encouraged to consider taking up a public appointment. The Council of Ministers and Treasury will soon be appointing members to a number of Statutory Boards and Bodies whose activities have a major impact on everyday life in the Isle of Man. These appointments will offer people an opportunity to play their part in the operation and delivery of essential services in diverse areas such as energy and water supply, financial services regulation, and consumer rights. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are urged to apply in order to provide ideas and advice from different perspectives. These public bodies are not Government Departments, but their work forms an integral part of the overall process of Government. Chief Minister Tony Brown said: ‘We greatly value the contribution made by lay members who sit on our public bodies. They can provide a fresh outlook on important issues and use their skills, knowledge, experience and commonsense to influence policy and decisions that affect people’s lives. Serving on the board or committee of a public body provides an opportunity to give something back to the community, and can also be personally rewarding in terms of meeting new people and gaining hands-on experience of working in the public service.’ Five-year appointments are currently being advertised for the following organisations – • Manx Electricity Authority • Isle of Man Water and Sewerage Authority • Isle of Man Post Office • Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading • Financial Supervision Commission • Insurance and Pensions Authority • Road Transport Licensing Committee • Public Sector Pensions Authority • Civil Service Commission Individuals who feel they possess the necessary attributes to take up a public appointment are encouraged to apply after viewing the relevant information packs and forms. This initial wave of appointments will be followed in November by an opportunity to join a wide range of public bodies – such as the Appointments Commission; War Memorials Committee and Police Consultative Forum – and in December by the appointment of Trustees to Manx National Heritage. All successful appointees must adhere to the Government Code and demonstrate the qualities that underpin public life – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. While public appointees are not involved in the day-to-day running of an organisation, they are required to give an ongoing commitment in terms of their time, interest and attention. Demands vary according to the post, from attending a few board meetings each year to more substantial duties. The application process is fair, open and transparent, and appointments are made on merit, based on a person’s skills and experience. The Chief Minister commented: ‘The Island needs dedicated and experienced individuals to ensure that our public bodies continue to meet the needs of the people of the Isle of Man. This is an opportunity for people to make a real difference to community life in the Island.’ The closing date for applications is 5.00pm Monday, 31 October 2011. Information packs and online application forms are now available at www.gov.im/cso/publicappointments Printed versions are available on request from the Chief Secretary’s Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN. Tel: 01624 685711 or email publicappointments@cso.gov.im. Alternatively, anybody who wishes to be kept informed of forthcoming public appointments can register their details at www.gov.im/cso/publicappointments or via the Chief Secretary’s Office to receive news of appointments as soon as they are advertised. Ends