Frequently Asked Questions
Will applying the Code of Practice take a lot of public money?
No. In fact, it should help to make good use of public money by appointing the very best candidates available, who will make the most effective use of our public bodies’ funding. Naturally, any regulatory system has some costs attached to it, but these costs are minimal compared to the benefits gained from a fair and open appointments process. The costs that are involved for each appointment aren’t really any greater than for any other well-conducted recruitment process – devising application packs, publicising the position, assessing applications, interviewing, responding to applicants, and so on. The Commissioner’s office bears the costs of the OCPAS Assessors for each round, so that the degree of independent scrutiny is not determined by how much a public body, or the relevant Scottish Government directorate, can afford.
For more information about OCPAS expenditure can be found in our Annual Accounts, listed in the Publications section.
