For the purposes of the Commission’s accreditation with GANHRI, the APS Commissioner and President are panel members outside the Executive Government. The Secretary is responsible for overseeing the selection process and providing the report of the assessment panel to the Attorney-General, even if they delegate their position on the panel to a representative. Similarly, the APS Commissioner must endorse the process, even if they delegate their position on the panel to a representative. The Secretary, having regard to any legislative provisions, will decide if one or more additional panel members are required to: • • • maintain diversity across gender identities, and other relevant attributes provide specialist expertise ensure civil society participation The panel should be informed of the Paris Principles requirements, the importance of the process for accreditation purposes and the significance of plurality within the Commission. Plurality ensures a wide range of views and perspectives and enhances the effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions. Plurality can be supported through appointment of Commissioners from diverse cultural, ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, variations in sex characteristics, ability and religious backgrounds. All members of the assessment panel need to participate in the shortlisting of applicants. 2.8.4 Methods of assessment The Secretary, in their role overseeing the assessment process, is responsible for establishing the means used to assess applicants. This would typically involve assessing written applications, conducting formal interviews and obtaining referee reports. Reasonable adjustments must be made for candidates with disability in line with the Disability Discrimination Act. The shortlisting process must be merit-based. Candidates will be assessed against the eligibility and selection criteria, as set out in the candidates’ pack. It may be appropriate to consult other people, for example, colleagues, civil society representatives, board members, state or territory ministers or officials, Secretaries of relevant departments and heads of relevant agencies, on a confidential basis. Additional or alternative means of assessment may also be used, including assessment centre methodologies, structured application forms, self-selection tools and occupational testing. All assessment processes must be overseen by the assessment panel. 14