THE Isle of Man government is looking for members of the public to apply for positions on the boards of a number of government public bodies to give “ideas and advice”.
The proposal suggests that the government will benefit by using “Mr and Mrs Common Sense” to offer a layman’s opinion on the way that certain government public bodies operate.
People from “all backgrounds and walks of life” are being asked to apply for the positions which will cover five years and be made by the Council of Ministers and Treasury.
The appointments are being advertised for nine different public bodies - the MEA, Water and Sewerage Authority, Isle of Man Post Office, Office of Fair Trading, Financial Supervision Commission, Insurance and Pensions Authority, Road Transport Licensing Committee, Public Sector Pensions Authority and the Civil Service Commission.
A statement from the Chief Secretary’s Office said that the appointments “offer people an opportunity to play their part in the operation and delivery of essential services in diverse areas.”
The statement stresses that government is looking for “public spirited individuals” to consider taking up the positions.
Another batch of positions on statutory boards and public bodies will be announced in November, including the Appointments Commission, War Memorials Committee and Police Consultative Forum, followed in December by the appointment of trustees to Manx National Heritage.
It is indicated that the members of the public appointed to the public bodies will not be involved in the day-to-day running of an organisation, but will be required to give an ongoing commitment in terms of “time, interest and attention.”
Demands vary according to the post, but will include attending board meetings, reading and researching written documents in preparation for meetings, site meetings and attending ad hoc meetings and events as required.
There are also some fairly stringent requirements for people making applications, including informing government of membership of various organisations such as charities or directorships / involvement with companies trading on the Isle of Man.
Government is also stressing that there should be no conflict of interests from applicants such as business relationships with other parties which could lead to perceived split loyalties or where an individual could benefit personally from a decision taken by a particular board or statutory body.
Anyone withholding information could be considered to have breached the Seven Principles of Conduct which are required by individuals who become members of statutory boards. The seven principles are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
The lengthy document explaining the criteria also stresses that an appointment should not be viewed as a reward for past favours or “the old boy network” in operation.
The Chief Secretary’s Office said, “It is important that an applicant should identify any potential conflict of interest, whether real or perceived. . . it is necessary that members of the public have confidence in their independence and impartiality.”
The appointments will be made following interviews with individuals and are expected to be made with effect from February 2012. It is anticipated that they will then require to be approved by the Council of Ministers, Treasury and Tynwald.
The closing date for applications is October 31. Information packs are now available online or a printed version can be obtained from the Chief Secretary’s Office, Buck’s Road, Douglas IM1 3PN or by email from publicappointments@cso.gov.im
