Selection Of Top Civil Servant In Focus

There's controversy today after the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland expressed 'grave concern' about the proposed arrangements for the appointment of the next Head of the NI Civil Service (NICS) by way of an internal competition.

Sir Bruce Robinson, the current Head of the Civil Service, wrote to Commissioners on 29 July to inform them of the process he was initiating to appoint his successor.

While the Commissioners acknowledge that the running of internal competitions is a matter for the NICS, they are, however, concerned to ensure that the 'Merit Principle' is upheld in spirit and in practice and that, where possible and appropriate, a diverse range of potential candidates, from within and beyond the NICS, have the opportunity to apply for senior appointments.

Commenting on this, Brenda McLaughlin, Chairperson said: "While the decision to hold an internal competition is a matter for the NICS, our view is that the Merit Principle is best served through fair and open competition."

The Commissioners have asked for an early meeting with Sir Bruce Robinson to discuss this matter especially as, under the Civil Service Commissioners (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, Commissioners have a statutory duty to ensure that appointments to the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) are made on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition (known as the Merit Principle).

The Order also requires Commissioners to publish a Recruitment Code on the interpretation and application of the Merit Principle. Adherence to the Commissioners' Recruitment Code is mandatory for all Departments and Agencies making appointments to the NICS.

However, Commissioners do not make appointments themselves as the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) is responsible for determining the regulations for appointment to the NICS and for setting, and ensuring compliance with, NICS recruitment policy.

(BMcC/GK)