We are led by a Board of Commissioners, who set the strategic direction and are responsible for our work.
The Board is made up of ten Commissioners, one of whom is the Chair. Three of the Commissioners are appointed to represent Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales respectively. These Commissioners provide advice and support in relation to these nations of the UK. They also advise on the impact of our work and are consulted by the Commission Board on matters in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Four of the Commissioners are nominated by the leaders of political parties: one by the party with the largest number of MPs in the UK Parliament, two more by the second and third largest parties respectively, and one by the other political parties with two or more MPs elected to and having taken their seats in the UK Parliament. The remaining two Commissioners have no specific brief, which enables them to bring their expertise and experience to work areas for the Commission as the need arises. All Commissioners are appointed by Her Majesty the Queen, on a motion of Parliament.
As part of the Corporate Framework the Board has two sub-committees: the Audit and Risk Committee and the Remuneration and Human Resources Committee. Both are chaired by Commissioners.
Alongside the Board of Commissioners, we also consult regularly with the UK Parliamentary Parties’ Panel, and equivalent Panels for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. These were set up to allow political parties to give us feedback about matters affecting them. We also consult with other advisory groups.
The Chief Executive is the Accounting Officer.
We are accountable to the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd.