Apparently there is a rigorous appointment procedure so he could not have sneaked her in.
Apparently he did 'sneak her in', Avalon. The Times ran a story on it in November 2020. It's paywalled, but the Independent picked it up, too (have to register for 5 free articles p.m. to read it all)..
in September (2020), Ms Coladangelo was given a role as non-executive director at DHSC, earning at least £15,000 and placing her on the board that scrutinises the department. There was no public record of the appointment.
There should be a 'public record'
She was paid £15,000 p.a of public money.
This is the real 'scandal', the appointment of cronies with no competition, not the affair