I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19435 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19435 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19435 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The following table sets out the numbers of applications for public appointments received by the Scottish Government:

Source: Commission of Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland Annual Report 2011-12:

http://www.ethicalstandards.org.uk/publications/publication/695/cespls-annual-report-201112

As at 31 March 2013, the Scottish Government had made good progress but not yet met its previous diversity targets. Figures achieved were: (a) women applicants - 32%, (b) disabled applicants - 13% and (c) ethnic minority applicants - 4.1%.

Source: Public Appointments in Scotland 2012-13 Regulated Ministerial Appointment Statistics.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19449 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19438 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19435 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19438 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The Scottish Government is fully committed to understanding the experience of applicants for public appointments and to developing members of the boards of our public bodies.

Although we have not commissioned specific research into the impact of board meeting times and arrangements, or into the level of awareness of our public bodies, joint research on applicant experience with the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland has been carried out both in 2012 and 2013 and has informed our improvement agenda. Information regarding remuneration is also collected for analysis by the Scottish Government.

Prior to the introduction of the new Commissioner’s Code of Practice on 1 October 2013, all selection panel members were confirmed to the Commissioner as competent in diversity and selection matters. This responsibility has now passed to the Scottish Government. Advice and guidance on diversity issues is provided by the Public Appointments Centre of Expertise at all stages of the appointment process. Training for board members is the responsibility of individual public bodies, although, to support further development, the Public Appointments Commissioner has also previously delivered a mentoring programme for appointees.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-19435 on 20 February 2014. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.