Summary of business appointment applications - Lord Dunlop
Published 2 May 2018
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Lord Dunlop left his role as former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland at the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, in June 2016.
1. Non-Executive Director, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry
Lord Dunlop sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an appointment as a Non-Executive Director at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI); an independent, economic development network, seeking to influence Government and key stakeholders, with the aim of creating sustainable economic growth for Scotland. Lord Dunlop described his role as providing advice on how best SCDI can promote and support the growth of Scotland’s economy.
The Committee took into account that SCDI is non-political and not-for-profit; and that this role is unpaid.
This appointment is broadly within the same area for which Lord Dunlop had responsibility whilst in office, and he did have contact with SCDI. However, the Committee noted that the Cabinet Office confirmed he did not have decision-making or regulatory control, relevant to SCDI. The Committee therefore considered there was little risk this role could be seen as a reward.
The Committee also considered that any potential risk SCDI would gain an unfair advantage as a result of Lord Dunlop becoming a Non-Executive Director, is low, as he stated he does not expect to have contact with Government in this role; and the Cabinet Office confirmed he holds no particularly relevant information. However, given the purpose of SCDI includes seeking to influence and inspire Government and key stakeholders; and Lord Dunlop will have some ongoing contact with Government in his role in the House of Lords, the lobbying ban imposed makes clear that any use of his contacts from within Government for the benefit of SCDI, would be inappropriate.
The Committee advised that, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the appointment be subject to the following conditions:
- he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister; and
- for two years for his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK and Scottish Governments on behalf of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, its partners or subsidiaries. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in the UK and Scottish Government to influence policy or secure funding on behalf of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, its partners or subsidiaries.
The letter containing the final decision was sent in August 2017, and the appointment was taken up soon after.
2. Advisory Council Member, Ionad Hiort
Lord Dunlop sought the Committee’s advice about an appointment as an Advisory Council Member at Ionad Hiort; a charity which is working on the planning and development of the proposed St Kilda Centre. Lord Dunlop stated his role is to provide advice on the shape and development of the St Kilda initiative.
The Committee took into account that this role in unpaid; and the Cabinet Office confirmed Lord Dunlop had no decision-making, regulatory or funding influence in relation to Ionad Hiort. The Committee therefore considered there is little risk that this appointment was offered as a reward.
The Committee also took into account that Lord Dunlop does not plan to have any contact with Government as part of his role; and there is no evidence he would unfairly benefit the charity, as the Cabinet Office confirmed Lord Dunlop has no sensitive information. However, the Committee noted Ionad Hiort’s charitable status and the potential it may seek government related funding at some point in the future. The lobbying ban therefore imposed makes clear that any use of his contact made whilst in office, would be inappropriate.
The Committee advised that, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the appointment be subject to the following conditions:
- he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister; and
- for two years for his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK and Scottish Governments on behalf of Ionad Hiort Ltd. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in the UK and Scottish Government to influence policy or secure funding on behalf of Ionad Hiort Ltd.
The letter containing the final decision was sent in August 2017, and the appointment was taken up soon after.