“The SCA notes that the DPB reports in its Statement of Compliance that a high percentage of its staff are seconded.

It does appear, however, that the DPB is legislatively empowered to determine the staffing structure, the skills required to fulfil the NHRI’s mandate, set other criteria (such as diversity), and select their staff in accordance with their enabling law.

The SCA emphasizes that staff should be recruited according to an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process that ensures pluralism and a staff composition that possesses the skills required to fulfil the NHRI’s mandate. Such a process promotes the independence and effectiveness of, and public confidence in, the NHRI.

NHRI staff should not, in general, be seconded or re-deployed from branches of the public service.”