The Code of Practice includes guidelines for panels to follow when running an appointment round. It does not specify how roles should be advertised or how applicants should be assessed. The Code is flexible. This gives panels the scope and the opportunity to tailor the methods they use to attract and assess applicants. The methods used should be designed to attract and assess the target pool of applicants every time an appointment round is run. 

To help panels achieve this, we provide guidance about current good practice in recruitment and selection. This includes training for PAAs and one to one briefings for new selection panel chairs. We also provide a range of materials to assist. These include:

• A model agenda for planning an appointment round
• A handy reminder document covering key elements of the Code and guidance
• A guide on how to mitigate unconscious and other forms of bias during appointment rounds
• The core skills framework for chair and member appointments, designed in partnership with the Scottish Government
• A guide to assessment and recording assessments
• Guidance on managing conflicts of interest in public appointments
• Shap Diversity Calendar (July - December 2024)

Good practice advice

You can contact us for good practice advice at any time. There are also good practice case studies that describe the approaches taken on previous appointment rounds.

Get in touch