Qualifications of Crown Officers

Summary

The request sought details on character checks and moral standards for Crown Officer appointments in the Isle of Man. The Cabinet Office disclosed that a well-established process exists involving criminal conviction declarations, character references, and adherence to integrity and impartiality standards.

Key Facts

• Candidates must declare any previous criminal convictions as part of the application process.
• Pre-appointment checks principally involve obtaining character references from nominated referees.
• Candidates must demonstrate they act with integrity and ensure fairness and impartiality.
• Personal standards require conduct consistent with the authority of the appointment and minimizing conflict or embarrassment.
• Judicial appointees are subject to the Code of Conduct for Members of the Judiciary and must swear an oath.

Data Disclosed

• 2019-03-18
• 2019-04-03
• 769065
• 3
• 1
• IM1 3PN
• 01624 686244

Original Request

Prior to recommendation for appointment of a person to a Crown Officer position, what investigations or checks are made respecting the character and prior behaviour of potential appointees? Are there in fact any moral or personal standards for such appointments, and if so what are they? Please note that these questions are directed in general, and are not specific to any particular appointment or individual holding such position, whether historical or present.

Data Tables (5)

Full Response Text

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244 Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 769065 3 April 2019

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 18 March 2019 and which states:

"Prior to recommendation for appointment of a person to a Crown Officer position, what investigations or checks are made respecting the character and prior behaviour of potential appointees? Are there in fact any moral or personal standards for such appointments, and if so what are they? Please note that these questions are directed in general, and are not specific to any particular appointment or individual holding such position, whether historical or present."

I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. Our response to your request is as follows:

Prior to recommendation for appointment of a person to a Crown Officer position, what investigations or checks are made respecting the character and prior behaviour of potential appointees? A well-established process is in place in respect of Crown appointments. The person specification for all advertised positions sets out the essential attributes required by candidates in respect of qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills and personal qualities. There is also a requirement to declare any previous criminal convictions as part of the application process. Are there in fact any moral or personal standards for such appointments, and if so what are they? In terms of the moral and personal standards for Crown appointments, candidates must demonstrate that they act with integrity and work to ensure fairness and impartiality. The selection panel for Crown appointments builds a picture of a candidate's character and suitability for the post by assessing the application information and CV when shortlisting, and by asking relevant questions during interview. Pre-appointment checks are conducted on candidates who are being recommended for appointment. This principally involves obtaining character references from the nominated referees. Depending on the nature of the appointment, the

panel's recommendation is then referred to either Her Majesty The Queen or His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor for approval. The personal standards expected of Crown appointees are covered in the terms and conditions for service. This includes ensuring conduct is of a manner consistent with the authority and standing of the appointment and conducting private affairs so as to minimise the possibility of conflict or embarrassment. Crown appointees to judicial positions are subject to the Code of Conduct for Members of the Judiciary, which is aligned to international standards regarding the ethical conduct of judges. Members of the judiciary are also required to swear an oath before taking up office, while procedures are in place to deal with any complaints in respect of an individual's conduct or performance.

Please quote the reference number 769065 in any future communications.

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I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely