Frequently Asked Questions – About the Commission, the Nomination Process
and the House of Lords
The Commission
1. Who are the Commissioners and how were they chosen?
The Commission has seven
members (one post is currently vacant). Three were appointed to
represent the main political parties and to ensure expert knowledge of the
Lords. The others, including the Chairman, are independent of Government
and the political parties. They were appointed after an open recruitment
competition run according to the procedures set down by the Commissioner
for Public Appointments.
2. What is the Commission’s remit?
To recommend people for appointment as non-party-political peers and to vet
all nominations for membership of the House – including those put forward
by the political parties - to ensure the highest standards of propriety.
3. How long has it been in existence?
The Prime Minister established the Commission in May 2000 to assist with
the transitional phase in reforming the Lords, as set out in the White
Paper, Modernising
Parliament, Reforming the House of Lords [External
website], published in January 1999.
4. How is it funded?
As a public body sponsored by the Cabinet Office[External
website], the Commission is funded from that department’s budget.
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The Nomination Process
5. How do I apply for a non–party–political peerage?
By completing a nomination form – available on this website or from the Commission’s
office – and returning it to the Commission.
6. Can I nominate someone else for a peerage?
Yes. To do so you should contact the Commission’s office, which will then
either send a nomination form to you to pass on to the nominee or send a
form directly to the nominee, whichever you prefer. You may also write a
letter to the Commission outlining the reasons for the nomination if you
wish.
7. Who is eligible for nomination?
To be eligible you must be over 21 years of age and a citizen of the
UK, another Commonwealth country,
or Ireland. You must also be resident in the UK for tax purposes.
8. Can I nominate myself?
Yes. See Question 5, above.
9. Can I return my nomination form electronically?
Yes. The Commission welcomes the return of forms electronically. Please
email them to enquiry@lordsappointments.x.gsi.gov.uk
10. Should I provide references?
Please provide details of at least two referees – you may provide more if
you think it will help the Commission with its assessment - using the space
provided on the nomination form and continuing on a separate sheet if
necessary. Please note that the Commission only requires contact
details for each referee, not full written references.
11. Who should my referees be?
Referees should include a work-related referee (where relevant) and one
from your personal life. They should be able to enlarge on any information
you provide as to how you could contribute to the work of the Lords.
12. What should I do if I can’t provide a work-related
referee?
Please provide details of someone who can comment on your ability to
contribute to the work of the House of Lords.
13. Should I provide a CV?
Yes. Please send one with your completed nomination form. It would help the
Commission if it were set out in a way that related to the Commission’s criteria for
assessing nominations.
14. Should I provide supporting letters with my nomination
form?
This is not necessary. The Commission may contact referees for written
references later on as part of the assessment process.
15. My nomination previous nomination was unsuccessful; can I apply
again?
Yes. If your circumstances have changed since the Commission informed you
that your earlier nomination was unsuccessful you might wish to send us a
new, updated, nomination form.
16. Does party-political membership or activity disqualify my
nomination?
Not in itself. However, you will need to satisfy the Commission that you
can bring a perspective and contribution to the work of the House that is
independent of party-political considerations.
17. Does a party-political donation disqualify my
nomination?
Not necessarily. See Question 16, above.
18. I have been named as a referee; what should I do?
If the Commission requires a written reference from you it will write to
you, setting out the areas it would like you to cover in the reference. It
is not necessary to submit a reference with a nomination form. All
references supplied to the Commission will, of course, be treated in
confidence.
19. What qualities is the Commission looking for in
nominees?
Building on its remit, Commission will consider all nominations on the
basis of merit, guided by the assessment criteria it has drawn up.
20. How long will it be until I know whether my nomination has been
successful?
The Commission will acknowledge nominations within 15 working days of
receipt. However, the assessment process might take some time to complete.
Please be patient in following up your nomination. You will be informed of
the outcome as soon as possible.
21. What is the closing date for receipt of nominations?
There is no closing date. The process is a continuous one, with small
numbers of recommendations being made at regular intervals.
22. Does the Commission interview short-listed candidates?
Yes. The Commission will invite you to interview if you have been
short-listed. Please note that it is likely to interview many more people
than it is able to recommend. Its aim is to build a list of outstanding
people that it can recommend over time.
23. If I am unsuccessful, will the Commission retain my nomination
to assess again in the future?
No. Unsuccessful nomination forms will be destroyed, in line with the
provisions of the Data Protection Act. All nominees are welcome to submit
further nominations in the future, particularly if they have developed
skills and experiences relevant to the published criteria.
24. Does the Commission provide feedback to unsuccessful
nominees?
No. The Commission does not feedback to unsuccessful nominees.
25. Does the Prime Minister always accept the Commission’s
recommendations?
The Prime Minister has indicated that he would only intervene in the most
exceptional circumstances.
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The House of Lords
26. Are members of the House of Lords paid?
No, but they may claim expenses related to
daily attendance at the House. [External website]
27. How long do peers serve for?
Once elevated to the Lords, peers sit in the House for life.
28. How often does the House meet and for how long?
The House sits at 2.30 pm from Mondays to Wednesdays and at 3 pm on
Thursdays after party group meetings. If it sits on a Friday it usually
starts at 11 am. The House normally has a recess of two or three weeks at
Christmas/Year, about a week at Easter, and a week at Whitsun. The summer
recess normally runs from August to early October.
29. Where can I find out more about the Lords?
For more information about the House of Lords, an illustrated brief
guide and briefing papers are available . [External
website]
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