The Audit Process

The Civil Service Commission was asked by Ministers (under S17 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act) to commence regular audits of departmental performance in handling applications under the government’s Business Appointments Rules (BARs) at lower grades. 

The majority of BARs applications from former civil servants are considered by departments, with the most senior (SCS3 and equivalent and above (including special advisers and those in the Diplomatic Service) considered by the Commission’s independent BARs panel.

We have designed a new audit approach, which will examine how departments handle cases at lower grades and also share best practice. This is now being rolled out to 20 ministerial departments, to gather information that will inform future audit work.

During 2026, these BARs audits will take place alongside the Commission’s audits of recruitment practice in departments.

We expect to publish audit outcomes from Autumn 2026.

Last updated: March 2026