Links with others

The Commissioners value their links with other organizations and individuals who work in related areas of public policy, at home and abroad.

In our activities during this year we have put particular emphasis on the Civil Service Code. We have, for example, commissioned an audit of department’s activities in promoting and upholding the Code. And we are conducting a thorough re-assessment of all our policies and practices in handling Civil Service Code appeals.

As a result of this strong focus on the Code we have had a number of meetings with others who have an interest in matters of ethical policy and procedures for raising concerns within organisations. A number of Commissioners met with Ann Abraham, the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s operation is on a much larger scale than ours. But it was interesting to hear some areas of similarity, and common challenges that arise. It was also a useful meeting to focus our thinking on the difference between the work of an ombudsman and that of a regulator. We also had a stimulating meeting with representatives of Public Concern at Work, who campaign for better policies and procedures in organisation for staff who want to raise concerns.

Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners

Links with other governments

Office support