Confusion
The survey did confirm our suspicions that in many, possibly most, departments employment grievances, appeals under the Civil Service Code and issues that might be raised under the Public Interest Disclosure Act were all considered under a common process. There are clearly advantages to this approach. It makes raising an appeal or concern easier for a member of staff. It may also allow departments to have expert teams who are used to dealing with these issues.
It might however explain some of the confusion that the Commissioners have encountered when seeking information on appeals that departments have dealt with under the Civil Service Code. Often it is clear from their responses that departments have confused appeals under the Civil Service Code with complaints under the Commissioners’ Recruitment Code. In other cases, there appears to be confusion over appeals under the Civil Service Code and complaints to the Civil Service Appeal Board.