Memorandum from Secretary of State for NI

FAO: all government quangos
(whether controversial or not)

After a recent incident, I want to remind you about the important rules when appointing new members:

1. Ask applicant for list of referees (minimum of two).
2. Do not rely on references supplied by the applicants along with their application forms.
3. Write to the referees and ask for a new reference.
4. Check that you actually checked the references, and received something back from each named referee.
5. Read what the referees had to say.
6. Ensure you are you satisfied with what the referees say.
7. Don't walk into trouble.

Thank you,
Secretary of State for NI

END