292.This section outlines the standards the Appointments Commission must maintain in the exercise of its functions and contains provisions about other things the Appointments Commission may do in connection with the exercise of its functions.
293.Subsection (2) permits the Appointments Commission to engage in research, obtain and analyse data, make available materials and facilities and provide information, advice and guidance, both generally and more specifically as provided in subsection (3) in relation to bodies to which appointments may be made under sections 58, 60 or 61 or to those in relation to which assistance may be given as provided in section 63.
294.Subsection (5)(d) enables the Appointments Commission to make material available for sale (otherwise than for profit) for use in connection with appointments to those bodies it may be directed to make appointments to or provide assistance to in connection with appointments. The Appointments Commission will be covered by the Data Protection Act 1998, and all powers exercisable under this section must be exercised subject to the restrictions of that Act.