FAQs
This section of the website is intended to help people interested in Sir John’s advice by providing answers to some of the questions they may have. It is not intended as a definitive statement either of the law or of Sir John’s position in relation to any of the questions raised.
- General background
- Why was Sir John appointed to advise HM Government?
- When was Sir John appointed?
- What is Sir John’s background?
- Does Sir John have any connections to Equitable Life?
- How does the proposed Judicial Review proceedings challenging the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report on Equitable Life impact on Sir John’s Work?
- The work of The Office of Sir John Chadwick
- What are Sir John’s Terms of Reference?
- Will Sir John be deciding which policyholders will receive compensation?
- Who will assist Sir John in preparing his advice and what are their roles?
- Why is Sir John's private secretary on secondment from the Treasury?
- How long will it take for Sir John to give his final advice?
- What will Sir John’s advice cost and who is paying for it?
- How can I be kept informed on Sir John’s progress?
- What should I do if I think I have information that might help Sir John?
- How do I contact The Office of Sir John Chadwick?
- Do I need legal representation before contacting / making representations to Sir John?
1. General background
1.1 Why was Sir John appointed to advise HM Government?
Sir John Chadwick was appointed by HM Treasury to advise on matters arising from the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s investigation into the prudential regulation of the Equitable Life Assurance Society.
1.2 When was Sir John appointed?
Sir John was formally appointed on 15 January 2009.
1.3 What is Sir John’s background?
See further information about the Right Honourable Sir John Chadwick.
1.4 Does Sir John have any connections to Equitable Life?
Neither Sir John, nor anyone in his office, nor any members of their immediate families are or have been an Equitable Life policyholder or annuitant.
1.5 How does the proposed Judicial Review proceedings challenging the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report on Equitable Life impact on Sir John’s Work?
Subject to any order which the court may make in such proceedings, Sir John will carry out the task for which he was appointed in January 2009, in accordance with his Terms of Reference.
2. The work of The Office of Sir John Chadwick
2.1 What are Sir John’s Terms of Reference?
Sir John’s Terms of Reference are available on this website, as set out in the Government’s response to the Obudsman.
2.2 Will Sir John be deciding which policyholders or annuitants will receive payments?
Sir John’s Terms of Reference do not include making payments to policyholders. Sir John is not acting as an adjudicator.
2.3 Who will assist Sir John in preparing his advice and what are their roles?
See About Us for further information.
2.4 Why is Sir John's private secretary on secondment from the Treasury?
It is normal practice for civil servants to provide support to independent advisers. Sir John's private secretary works directly to him, assisting with the running and management of his Office and its work.
The Treasury has put in place arrangements to ensure there is no conflict of interest, with different parts of the department dealing with the establishment of a payment scheme and representations to Sir John. Sir John's private secretary is only in contact with that part of the Treasury responsible for establishing a payment scheme so progress can be made on the practical issues of establishing such a scheme, in parallel to Sir John’s work.
2.5 How long will it take for Sir John to give his final advice?
It is not possible to say at this stage how long Sir John will need to finalise his advice to the Government. However, he will do so as quickly as possible. He is very conscious of the need to reach a conclusion in this matter with expedition.
2.6 What will Sir John’s advice cost and who is paying for it?
The cost will depend on the work required. The advice will be paid for by the Government.
2.7 How can I be kept informed on Sir John’s progress?
Regular reports on progress will be posted on this website. See Contact Us for information about how to be kept informed of any progress via email.
2.8 What should I do if I think I have information that might help Sir John?
The Office of Sir John Chadwick will, in due course, be inviting representations on specific issues. Details of such issues and how to make representations on them will also be posted on this website. Individual policyholders will not be required to provide details of their personal circumstances or policyholder records.
2.9 How do I contact The Office of Sir John Chadwick?
See Contact Us for further information.
2.10 Do I need legal representation before contacting / making representations to Sir John?
Sir John will neither require nor expect any party contacting his Office to have legal representation