Candidates bidding to take on a top public sector job are being briefed at length about conflicts of interests following a series of investigations into a current quango chairman.

The South East England Development Agency (Seeda) has advertised for a replacement for James Brathwaite, who has attracted controversy for the size of his taxi bills and his sometimes tangled business and public life.

The quango chairman was expected to stand down in December 2008 but given another year in the job, alongside other regional development agency bosses, by Secretary of State for Business Lord Mandelson.

Seeda expects to announce its new appointment, who will earn £80,000 a year for a three-day week, in July.

Mr Brathwaite has been criticised by MPs for spending more than £50,000 on taxis a year and potential conflicts of interest.

He has been cleared of impropriety by Seeda following each allegation.

As part of the application process, Seeda has drawn up a 14 page briefing note for potential candidates, including three pages of information on potential conflicts of interest.

The section concludes: "No one should use, or give the appearance of using, their public position to further their private interests.

"This is an area of particular importance, as it is of considerable concern to the public and receives a lot of media attention."

Lewes MP Norman Baker asked for the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, which oversees regional development agencies, to investigate The Argus's most recent revelations.

It emerged the agency had given up its facilities to host close business partners of Mr Brathwaite, giving access to key decision-makers in a major public project.

The Argus's investigation also showed how top civil servants appeared to have been confused by Mr Brathwaite's dual role as chairman and businessman. But the department has rejected calls for a full investigation and in a letter, seen by The Argus, Pat McFadden, Minister for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs, wrote: "I am assured Seeda has investigated the detail of every allegation made by The Argus and has concluded no impropriety has occurred.

"Jim Brathwaite has acknowledged some confusion did arise out of the dual role of his personal assistant, who is not employed by Seeda but deals with his work in both his roles.

"Seeda informs us this has now been addressed."

Mr Baker said: "I am delighted to see Seeda recognises the importance of avoiding conflicts of interests.

"It is not clear whether this is because of lessons learnt or that they have always been in place but not rigorously enforced."