68Appointment to vacant office

68 Appointment to vacant office (1) The head of service may appoint a person to a vacant office. (2) The head of service may only appoint a person to an office if— (a) the person is selected in accordance with the merit and equity principle; and (b) the head of service is satisfied on reasonable grounds, and states, in writing, that the person is suitable for appointment having regard to— (i) verification of the person’s identity; and (ii) whether the person has any prior criminal convictions; and (iii) the previous employment record of the person; and (iv) the need for suitable references in support of the person’s application for appointment; and (v) verification of the person’s qualifications required for the appointment. Note If a person is to be appointed to a position that involves a regulated activity and contact with a vulnerable person within the meaning of the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011, the person may need to be registered under that Act.