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Written question asked by Esther McVey (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 October 2024. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Friday, 1 November 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Department of Health and Social Care: Public Appointments

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his policy is on allowing people with financial interests in the private healthcare sector to be (a) employed in and (b) non executive directors at his Department.

Answer

All Department employees are subject to the Department’s policy on the Declaration and Management of Outside Interests. The policy is in alignment with the model Cabinet Office guidance in this area for Civil Servants, published on the GOV.UK website, which sets out how staff can identify when a perceived, potential, or actual conflict of interest arises, and what action must be taken in those circumstances. This includes a discussion between the employee and manager to determine whether there is a conflict of interest in the first instance, or perceived conflict of interest, such that the employee should be excluded from the activity, or that the employee may continue with the activity but must implement actions to mitigate any risk. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/declaration-and-management-of-outside-interests-in-the-civil-service/declaration-and-management-of-outside-interests-in-the-civil-service

Prior to appointment and throughout their term of office, non-executive board members are required to declare all relevant interests, and for any areas where a potential conflict of interest could be seen to arise, mitigations are required to be put in place and approved by the Department. Declarations of interest are published each year in the Register of Interests in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9445
Session
2024-26
Related items
Alan Milburn
Thursday, 21 November 2024
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Business interests Private sector Public appointments Department of Health and Social Care
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk