Legal Definitions - public appointment

A public appointment refers to a formal position of responsibility within a government body, a public sector organization, or an entity that serves the public interest. These roles are typically filled through a selection process by a government minister, head of state, or another authorized public official. Individuals holding public appointments are entrusted with duties that contribute to public administration, policy implementation, or oversight, and they are ultimately accountable to the public.

• Example 1: A government minister appoints a new non-executive director to the board of a national public broadcasting corporation. This individual is chosen for their expertise to help oversee the corporation's strategic direction and ensure it fulfills its public service mandate.

  Explanation: This is a public appointment because the position is within a public sector organization (a national public broadcasting corporation) and the individual is formally selected by a government official (a minister) to serve the public interest by guiding a key public service.

• Example 2: An independent commission is established to investigate a significant national event, and the Prime Minister formally appoints a retired judge to serve as the lead commissioner for the inquiry.

  Explanation: This illustrates a public appointment as the retired judge is formally selected by the head of government (the Prime Minister) to lead a body (the independent commission) tasked with a critical public function—investigating a matter of national importance in the public interest.

• Example 3: The Department of Education seeks applications for new members to join the board of governors for a large state-funded university. After a rigorous selection process, several individuals with backgrounds in academia, business, and community leadership are formally appointed to these positions.

  Explanation: This is a public appointment because the positions are within a public sector educational institution (a state-funded university), and the individuals are formally selected by a government department to oversee the university's governance and ensure it serves its public educational mission.