House of Lords Appointments Commission
35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BQ
Information Pack: 020 7276 2315 General Enquiries: 020 7276 2005
Facsimile: 020 7276 2109
E-mail: enquiry@lordsappointments.x.gsi.gov.uk
Internet: www.lordsappointments.gov.uk
Nominations for Non-Party Political Members of the House of Lords
Thank you for expressing an interest in the nomination process for
non-party-political members of the House of Lords. These members sit on the
cross-benches in the House to demonstrate their independence from a
political party. Although they are often described as “cross-bench” peers,
the Appointments Commission feels that for its purposes they are best
described as “non-party-political” members of the House of Lords.
The Commission’s role is to recommend non-party-political members to the
Prime Minister. He has undertaken to pass the Commission’s recommendations
to Her Majesty the Queen and only intervene in the most exceptional cases
(for example, if a nominee poses a threat to national security).
I enclose a pack, which contains information:
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about the Appointments Commission, including
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its role
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its membership
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its Code of Practice
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about the nomination and assessment process, including
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the criteria the Commission uses to assess nominations
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notes on completing the nomination form
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the nomination form.
Further information on the Commission’s work is available on its website.
The Prime Minister has recently re-confirmed that the Commission’s brief is
to find people of distinction who will bring authority and expertise to the
House of Lords. The Commission has been asked to recommend individuals
based on their merit and ability to contribute effectively to the work of
the House.
If you wish to nominate yourself or have been nominated by someone else,
please complete and submit the nomination form enclosed with this pack,
having considered carefully the notes provided on the nomination and
assessment process and in particular the criteria guiding the Commission’s
assessment of nominations.
If you wish to nominate someone else you should pass this information pack
to him or her to complete. Alternatively, you can contact the Commission’s
office and we will send a pack direct to your nominee. If you wish, you can
send us a letter outlining your reasons for your nomination, either direct
or with the completed nomination form.
The nomination and assessment process is now a continuous one, with small
numbers of recommendations being made at regular intervals. The Commission
therefore welcomes nominations at any time.
Please send your nomination form to:
The Secretary
The House of Lords Appointments Commission
35 Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BQ
The Commission encourages the use of e-mail and the Internet. In line with
the increasing use of electronic communications, the nomination form is
also available on the Appointments Commission website. You may wish to
complete the form electronically and e-mail it to enquiry@lordsappointments.x.gsi.gov.uk
Your nomination will be acknowledged but please be patient in following it
up. The Commission will let you know the outcome as soon as possible.
If you have any further queries, please call the Commission’s office on 020
7276 2005.
Yours sincerely
J K BARRON
Secretary to the Commission
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