Civil Service Recruitment
Recruitment Principles
- Explain what the fundamental requirement of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition means.
- Set out the circumstances in which appointments can be made as exceptions to this requirement.
- Describe the responsibilities of departments and agencies in meeting this requirement.
The Recruitment Principles are concerned only with the requirement of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 that selection for appointment to the Civil Service should be on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
Departments and agencies are free to develop their own approaches to recruitment as long as they are consistent with the Recruitment Principles.
The Recruitment Principles are not a guide to everything required to carry out recruitment; such as pre-appointment checks on nationality, health or qualifications, or the implications of employment law.
It is for departments and agencies to handle the recruitment and subsequent employment of staff in a way that complies both with the Recruitment Principles and with employment law.
Diversity
The Civil Service Commission is committed to the principle of appointment on merit.
We believe a diverse workforce, appointed on merit through a fair and transparent process, greatly enhances effectiveness and performance by better reflecting the aspirations, experiences and needs of the people they serve.
The Civil Service Commission therefore promotes and supports efforts to get the best candidates drawn from a strong and diverse field.
