Advisory Committee on Business Appointments

The former advisory committee that considered some applications under the Business Appointment Rules until its functions were transferred in 2025.

Category: Government roles and offices Public bodies and agencies

Abbreviation: ACOBA

Also used as: ACOBA, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, business appointments committee, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments committee

Official website: View archived ACOBA information

Source / explainer: Read GOV.UK information on ACOBA’s closure

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, often called ACOBA, was the advisory committee that considered some applications under the Business Appointment Rules. Its functions were transferred in October 2025, so the term is mainly useful for older material, historic advice and references to the previous system.

Related terms

Business Appointment RulesRules applying when former ministers, civil servants and some Crown servants take up roles after leaving office.Civil Service CommissionThe independent body now providing Business Appointment Rules advice for some senior Crown servants.Independent Adviser on Ministerial StandardsThe adviser who supports the Prime Minister and ministers on ministerial standards and interests.