To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria are used by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in appointing people to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. [HL2259]

In making appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland the Secretary of State has an obligation under Section 73(4) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to, as far as is practicable, secure that the commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in Northern Ireland.

In the most recent public appointments process in 2008, all candidates were assessed against the following published criteria: collective responsibility and accountability, knowledge and expertise, judgement and decision-making, and strategic thinking and vision. Candidates for the position of deputy chief commissioner were also assessed on responsibility and leadership.

All appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland are made in line with guidance from the Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments.