The handling of public appointments has improved over the last 12 months, a report published on Tuesday has found.

However, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been criticised by the commissioner for public appointments after an unnamed minister, later revealed to be Lord Whitty, appointed someone who had not applied or been interviewed for the position.

"The department, Defra, has done a great deal to ensure that their processes are open and fair and this particular case is not characteristic of their usual approach to public appointments," said Dame Rennie Fritchie.

Dr Vyvian Howard of Liverpool University last year applied for the advertised post of toxicologist on the advisory committee on pesticides.

However, although he was considered unsuitable for that post, he was granted a newly-created third post of environmentalist to the same committee, despite only two posts being advertised and already filled.

The commissioners found that of the 3500 appointments made by ministers in 2002/03, 39 per cent of positions were filled by women, 8.9 per cent were from an ethnic minority background and just under three per cent declared a disability.

A vast majority, 81 per cent, claimed to have not been politically active in the five years leading up to their appointment.

"This is a time of change for public appointments," said Dame Rennie.

"I am keen that we should reflect these changes and aim for continuous improvement in the appointment process to make sure that it delivers a quality outcome - boards that are fit for purpose."