Employment after government: Business Appointment Rules

Introduction

Ministers, civil servants and special advisers leaving office are subject to rules regarding future appointments outside government. These rules, known as the Business Appointment Rules exist to prevent individuals gaining unfair advantage from knowledge and contacts gained in government, and to prevent their future employers from profiting unfairly. 

Changes to the process

From 13 October 2025 the process for seeking advice on taking up a new appointment or offer of employment after leaving government has changed. The changes are intended to streamline and speed up the process, while maintaining the integrity of the Rules.

The UK Government has closed the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (known as ‘ACOBA’). ACOBA previously provided advice to the most senior civil servants and to former Ministers on future appointments. From 13 October, advice to civil servants at director general and permanent secretary level and equivalents will be provided by the Civil Service Commission. Civil servants and special advisers below director general and equivalent level will continue to receive advice at official level from the Scottish Government, through a streamlined process.

From 13 October, advice to former Scottish Government Ministers will be provided by the First Minister’s Independent Advisers on the Ministerial Code. There are three independent advisers to the First Minister on the Scottish Ministerial Code. All were appointed on 6 December 2024, and are:

• Claire Loftus, former Director of Public Prosecutions in the Republic of Ireland 
• Sir John Manzoni KCB, former Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of the Civil Service 
• Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder, former Lord Justice of Appeal and Senior President of Tribunals 

Read more information on the independent advisers and their role. The Scottish Ministerial Code has been updated to reflect this revised process.

Advice to former UK Government Ministers will be provided by the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards. Similar arrangements will apply to former Welsh Government Ministers.  

How to apply

Whether you need to seek advice on a future appointment or offer of employment and the applicable process depends on your level of seniority, the nature of your previous role and proposed future role.

More detail on the Business Appointment Rules is on the UK Government website. Current and former Scottish Government civil servants, special advisers and Ministers should contact the Propriety and Ethics Directorate (email: pandeteam@gov.scot) for further information. Advice should be sought as early as possible, before any announcements or commitments are made.