Appendix 3: Table of evidence required for each criterion

Table of Contents

Introduction & Summary A Teaser Background Advocating Democracy Democracy’s vulnerabilities Overall defensive strategy The scale of the problem The legal status of politicians? The case for licensing politicians The case against licensing politicians The requirements for license-a statuary body to manage the process The requirements for license-the process The application and length of validity Eligibility to holding a licence Licences: non-renewal, suspensions and cancellations The requirements for license-the standards to be attained The requirements for license-the criteria Awarding or refusing the licence Political legal liability Educational program The Singapore experience Promotion and dissemination References Appendix 1 SWOT Analysis of UK democracy post 2024 UK general election Appendix 2. Governance and misconduct arrangements in certain professions Appendix 3: Table of evidence required for each criterion Appendix 4: Process for converting Criteria satisfied to Licence granting
Criterion Test Cert. Level First or From Outside Parliament Subsequent or From Within Parliament Source Equivalent Profession
Has served in a role to help individuals in the public for no reward 1/2 Undertaken charity, fund-raising or similar work; or served 3 years in the armed forces. Once demonstrated first time, may be carried forward. Applicant declaration supported by certified evidence.
Able to bring a skill, knowledge or insight of a particular aspect of society that may otherwise be under-represented 1/2 Evidence that the applicant is eligible from one of the stated characteristics. Certified by an appropriate person.
Demonstrates a consistent ability to manage financial affairs with integrity 1/2 Declaration of interests. Either audited personal accounts or submission of all material financial statements that raise no concerns. Declaration of interests. Personal audited accounts, produced annually that raise no concern. Applicant submission but produced by accountants and certified by bank and loan companies as being in good standing. Any individual or business that uses an accountant.
Demonstrates a consistent ability to manage personal affairs with integrity 1/2 See guidelines of acceptable and unacceptable situations. The applicant needs to be in an acceptable situation. Some discretion may be applied if between the acceptable and unacceptable. Applicant declaration and concerns to be raised at interview.
Demonstrates a consistent ability to look after themselves and avoid reckless behaviours 1/2 See guidelines comparing acceptable and unacceptable situations. There should be no concerns. Discretion may be applied if the applicant can provide evidence that the concern was a single event or is historical. Applicant declaration supported by certificates from medical records and DRB. Anybody working with the vulnerable in society.
The person has a value system 1/2 Any religious, humanistic or literary value system and how that would be applied in the role of parliamentarian. May be reviewed and assessed on whether the MP acted according to the value system and how it impacted service to the population. Addressed at interview. Ministers of religion.
Demonstrates a consistent adherence to truth and accuracy 1/2 No concerns raised from certificates and published literature demonstrating general adherence to truth. Fact-checks of Hansard statements and published literature demonstrating no significant deviation from truth. Certification from several sources. Fact-checking Hansard and written literature. The legal and medical professions.
Is consistently free from legal threat 1/2 Clear of any criminal and professional misconduct investigations. Civil cases considered on their merits. Applicant declaration and information from police and other licensing or investigatory authorities. All citizens; any regulated profession.
Only ever accepts legal donations 1/2 Each applicant would have a parliamentary donations account available for scrutiny along with personal accounts. Applicant submission of relevant audited accounts certified by accountants. Any public service profession.
Declares an intention and maintains a minimum of 75% of time dedicated to parliamentary work 1/2 A statement of intent declaring outside interests and compliance with the rules. Does not exceed the time allowed for extra-curricular work. Self-certified and may be augmented by employer certification. Any profession where there may be conflicts of interest.
Consistently demonstrates an ability to present both sides of an argument but explain why one is preferable 1/2 Applicant answers questions on arguments for and against a topic and explains why one is preferable. Assessed at interview. Judiciary, Academia.
Consistently demonstrates an understanding of a variety of facets of national society 1 Mandatory training and knowledge test on constituency-relevant aspects, national customs and institutions. Mandatory training and knowledge test on constituency, customs and institutions. Online test at various centres. Applicants for citizenship.
Consistently demonstrates an understanding of a variety of facets of national society 2 As for Level 1 but covering more extensive sub-populations and industries. Online test at various centres.
Consistently demonstrates and understands safeguarding 1/2 Mandatory training and knowledge test. Online test at various centres. Anybody working with the vulnerable.
Consistently demonstrates and understands Equality and Diversity 1/2 Mandatory training and knowledge test. Online test at various centres. NHS.
Consistently demonstrates and understands Democracy 1/2 Mandatory training and knowledge test. Online test at various centres. Any profession with continuing professional education.
Has enhanced mental well-being: good emotional intelligence, mental resilience, psychological balance and inner realism 1/2 No history of a disqualifying mental health diagnosis, or certified condition-free for 3 years post-therapy. No evidence that mental health factors adversely affect other criteria. Recorded Emotional Intelligence training every 30 months. Multisource feedback, medical record disclosure, training records and psychometric testing with the RPPL. Business.
Nothing ever to suggest the person is or was a security risk 1 N/A Extensive security check. MI5, MI6.
Nothing ever to suggest the person is or was a security risk 2 Extensive background check.
Is of an attitude that when required seeks and follows the consensus view of experts in the field 1 N/A Applicant declaration and assessment of complaints to the RPPL or Parliamentary Complaints Commission. Any profession that may face being sued for malpractice.
Is of an attitude that when required seeks and follows the consensus view of experts in the field 2 If there is no evidence that the parliamentarian has failed to follow expert opinion and general perceived wisdom.

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