Additional functions

The draft Bill provides for the Minister of the Civil Service and the Commission to agree that the Commission shall take on additional functions. This will provide flexibility to meet changing circumstances without the need to amend the Bill itself. The Commissioners would expect the Minister to agree that the Commission should continue to undertake the additional tasks which currently fall to the Commissioners. These are advising departments on the promotion of the Civil Service Code and monitoring appeals within departments. And also approving all appointments at Permanent Secretary or Director General level, whether they are made following open competition, internal competition or by managed move.