Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what policies and practices they advocate to encourage boardroom diversity and equality; what advice and encouragement they have given on diversity and equality to Channel 4; and to what effect.

The Cabinet Office Centre for Public Appointments, which works across Whitehall, as well as with the private sector and different stakeholder groups, has modernised recruitment practices and attracted a more diverse field of candidates from an ever-wider range of social and professional backgrounds by:

· Placing an emphasis on ability, rather than prior experience, ensuring key roles in public bodies are open to those with skills required

· Increasing awareness of public appointments through a central online advertising website, events and social media

· Simplifying the application process to just require a CV and cover letter

· Assessing every job advert to ensure they are fit for purpose and are open to a wider number of applicants to ensure a diverse pool of candidates.

In 2013 the Government published its strategy for Increasing Diversity in Public Appointments. The Cabinet Office will be publishing an update to this strategy later this year.