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Applying for a public appointment

There are around 1,600 public appointments. They cover a huge range of interests, from the arts to sport and consumer interests to more specialised areas, such as historic buildings and monuments.

Current public appointment vacancies

To look for a current public appointment vacancy, use the following link to the website of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).

Completing your application form

The following headings cover some standard sections that you are likely to be asked to complete.

Personal information

These will include your name and contact details.

Personal qualities and experience

You will be asked to provide evidence that you possess the skills and qualities required for the post. This may be in the form of any of the following:

  • a pen picture
  • a brief career history
  • specific questions designed to reveal particular skills and qualities
  • a combination of the above.

Consider your answers carefully. Remember that experience can be gained in a variety of scenarios, not just at work. Make sure that you refer back to the person and role specifications provided in the advertisement or information pack. You may also be asked to list your qualifications if these are relevant to the post.

Conflicts of interests

All candidates are asked to declare any interests (such as financial or personal connections or other interests) that, if appointed, might be seen as constituting a conflict of interest - real or perceived - between public duties and private interests.

This could include financial interests, directorships or share options, as well as relevant non-financial private interests such as links with outside organisations.

Declaring a potential conflict of interest will not prevent you going forward to interview. It will, however, allow the interview panel to explore with you how best to address and manage any issues should you be successful in your application.

References

You may be asked to provide the names of referees - usually two. If you are, you will be told the type of reference required (professional or personal) and when those references will be taken up.

Public appointments monitoring form

Statistical data is collected on gender, ethnicity, age and disability for monitoring purposes only. This allows the government to track progress on opening up boards and improving diversity. This information may be used to answer Assembly questions or other enquiries. It will not be used in any way that could identify you individually without your prior consent.

Political activity

Successful candidates will also be asked for details of political activity. Being politically active will not be a factor in the consideration of your application, however, as a general rule MPs, MEPs and MLAs are disqualified from sitting on the boards of most public bodies. Information on political activity is required for monitoring purposes only and does not play any part in the selection process.

Declaration

You will be asked to sign a declaration confirming that the information on the form is complete and correct to the best of your knowledge - and agreeing to details of your appointment being made public in a press release should you be successful.

More useful links

See also...