Ongoing vigilance needed on role, remit and reward of Spads

Under the agreement to restore devolution last month there was a pledge to make clear that ministers are responsible for the management and conduct of their Spads.

While the inquiry into RHI will not report until next month, it is already clear that such a line of responsibility did not always operate in the last assembly.

In some cases the advisors were more influential than their ministers. There was also confusion as to where their loyalties lay, be it their party or their department. This is in part a reflection of the inherent tension that comes from being both political appointees and civil servants.

Clearly, reform and transparency was needed. Some reform, albeit modest, has now been achieved. There is greater transparency and structure over pay, which is down and now is within a £55,000-£85,000 range, and tied to three pay-bands. While the reduction at the top of that scale, from £92,000 previously, is modest it does mean they earn less than their ministers, which is appropriate.

Few observers of politics have suggested that the role of Spads be abolished, but there will need to be ongoing vigilance about who gets these jobs, why, what their experience is, and whether the limits to their remit are being observed.