Only one in five people have confidence in the UK public appointments system, a new report has found.

The research, carried out by commissioner Dame Rennie Fritchie, shows the public know very little about how such appointments are made, and only eight per cent of those asked had heard of the office which oversees the process.

The public appointments commissioner's report also found that the misunderstanding around the process means many people assume it is open to favouritism and scandal.

Dame Rennie said: "A great deal has changed since the Nolan rules were first put in place but this survey shows that we need to do more.

"It seems that, despite all the changes, the general public are still not aware of the regulated system and many people still believe that cronyism is rife.

"There is a strong message in this research - only one in five of the general population say they have confidence in the public appointments system in this country."

The research also shows that 71 per cent of people think the public appointments system should be regulated.

And people want to see the criteria for recruitment based on merit, over and above representativeness, while "life time" achievements and traditional qualifications and skills should also be taken into account.

"It is clear that the public believe that the system should be regulated and that ministerial appointments should be made on merit," Dame Rennie said.

"This research shows that we need to look at what more can be done to help build public confidence in the system of appointments to the boards of public bodies."

Fair and open

Respondents felt strongly that appointments should be widely advertised in newspapers and newsletters to reassure the public the process was fair and open to all.

The research also explored the views and attitudes of people who are involved in the public appointments system, and found that overall they feel that the system has improved.

However, they are concerned that the public does not know enough about the system.

Dame Rennie added: "I am concerned that, whilst some things have moved on, not enough is known about the range of appointments opportunities available and the regulated process that ensures fairness and openness.

"The recent report by the Committee on Standards in Public Life recommended a number of changes to the system of appointments and I hope the government will consider their report carefully."