This website has been set up to help you find up-to-date information about public appointment vacancies. It is run by the Public Appointments Unit in the Cabinet Office.

The site lets you search for public appointment vacancies in your area, or according to your particular interests. You can see details on a particular opportunity - including role specifications, the skills and qualities required, time commitment and so on – and then, if you are interested, find out how to apply.

What is a public appointment?

It is an appointment to the board of a public body. These are bodies set up by Government Ministers either to provide independent advice or to deliver some aspect of public service. Each body is sponsored by a government department, but operates at arms length. They range from the Film Council to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines, from the National Consumer Council to the Teacher Training Agency. Some have national responsibilities, like English Nature, some – like Yorkshire Forward - operate regionally.

Play a part in public life…

Public bodies play a real part in shaping and influencing our society and make decisions that affect all our lives. The Government believes that these decisions will always be more effective when made by those who reflect the society we live in and is therefore keen to encourage more people – from all walks of life and all sections of our community – to apply.

All public appointments are made on merit, using processes that are fair, open and transparent.

This site covers …

vacancies on boards that operate either across the United Kingdom, or in England.

If you are interested in vacancies only in either Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you need to click on the links on our first page to take you to their websites.

If you would like to find out more about public appointments in general, you can also visit the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk