News and Blog

The First Civil Service Commissioner, Baroness Gisela Stuart, has written to the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Sir Chris Wormald KCB, outlining how the Commission aims to help the Civil Service recruit and promote the best skills and capabilities to deliver for UK citizens. The letter reaffirms the Commission’s guiding principle as […]

Chris PilgrimAs the independent regulator, our job is to provide assurance that appointments into the Civil Service are made fairly, openly, and on merit - to help the Civil Service recruit the people and talent it needs. As well as personally chairing senior level recruitment, the Commission audits a sample of recruitment campaigns across departments […]

The Commission’s role is to check that Civil Service recruitment is done on merit, through fair and open competition – as required by law. Why our audits matter The most visible part of the Commission’s work is probably  its team of independent Commissioners who personally chair Civil Service recruitment competitions at senior levels, but  we […]

We were delighted that over 400 people attended our Meet the Commissioners online event in March where three Civil Service Commissioners talked about how they oversee Senior Civil Service (SCS) recruitment to ensure it is carried out fairly, openly and on the basis of merit. “We facilitate the process, but also oversee the fairness of […]

The First Civil Service Commissioner, Baroness Gisela Stuart, hosted the joint winners of the Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence at the House of Commons on 6th March. The Home Office won for their strategic approach to recruiting more women into frontline roles and outstanding work to support external candidates at different stages of the recruitment process. […]

A new Framework Agreement with the Cabinet Office for monitoring and understanding the strategy, performance and delivery of the three Independent Offices supported by the Commission secretariat – the Civil Service Commission, the Commissioner for Public Appointments and the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments - has been published today. Framework Document (PDF) It sets out […]

Are you thinking about applying for a Senior Civil Service role? Do you know what to expect when an independent Civil Service Commissioner chairs the recruitment process? The Commission provides assurance that civil servants are appointed on the basis of merit, after a fair and open competition, and helps safeguard an impartial civil service. For […]

Are you new to working in Civil Service HR or would you like refresher training on the Recruitment Principles? Or a Civil Service manager who needs to understand what to do to recruit in compliance with the Principles? The Commission offers regular online training on the Recruitment Principles which set the framework for all recruitment […]

30 January 2025 The Home Office and Government Digital and Data Function have been jointly awarded the 2024 Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence for their innovation and commitment in recruiting external candidates who may not have previously considered a role in the Civil Service. Home Office won for their strategic approach to recruiting more women into frontline roles and outstanding […]

Baroness (Gisela) Stuart First Civil Service Commissioner Maintaining Civil Service integrity in recruitment On 5th July the party in power changed for the first time in 14 years and – unlike in the United States - existing UK civil servants must turn to serve a new government overnight. Often wrongly described as ‘independent’, the civil […]

The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 stipulates that the Civil Service Commission may “except” certain appointments from the requirement that recruitment into the Civil Service takes place on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The First Civil Service Commissioner has today (20 November 2024) written to the Cabinet Secretary outlining action […]

Are you new to working in Civil Service HR or would you like refresher training on the Recruitment Principles? Or a Civil Service manager who needs to understand what to do to recruit in compliance with the Principles? The Commission offers regular online training on the Recruitment Principles which set the framework for all recruitment […]

The 2024 Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence, which recognises innovation and excellent practice in recruitment across the Civil Service, is now open for entries.  This year, the Commissioners’ award will focus on openness in recruitment, looking for hiring teams who have made efforts to bring new skills and talent into the Civil Service by: The judging […]

The First Civil Service Commissioner, Baroness Gisela Stuart, has today (30 August 2024) written to all departments outlining a review of all appointments made by exception which did not require prior approval by the Civil Service Commission in July and August 2024.  The Commission has also today written to departments outlining next steps for this […]

Kate Owen, Interim Chief Executive, Civil Service Commission The Civil Service Commission exists to provide assurance that appointments to the Civil Service are made on merit on the basis of a fair and open competition. In effect, that the best person gets the role. This has been the basis of recruitment into the Civil Service […]

The Cabinet Secretary and First Civil Service Commissioner have written to all members of the new government to outline how ministers can play a part in appointments to the Civil Service under the Commission’s Recruitment Principles. 

There’s been a lot of interest recently in the small independent offices that regulate parts of public life as indicated by reports and papers from a range of academics, think tanks and integrity experts. But what is it like to work at an independent regulatory body? And what sorts of skills are required?  The Civil […]

As outlined in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, the Commission is responsible for hearing complaints on appeal brought by civil servants under the Civil Service Code. The Commission also has a role in helping Departments with promoting the Code. The Civil Service Commission took on this role in 2003 at the suggestion of […]

The Civil Service Commission has long supported open and competitive recruitment approaches to bring in external talent at all levels of the Civil Service and in particular at senior levels of the Civil Service. This year, the teams who were awarded the 2023 Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence recently took part in an online event to […]

In a new blog, the Commission’s interim Chief Executive, Kate Owen, talks about the skills, qualities and background of the Commission team and how a diverse team helps the work of the three regulatory bodies that the team supports. Recent reports have made the assumption that the Civil Service Commission staff - unlike the 14independent […]

Elizabeth Hambley, Tony Poulter OBE, and Dr Neil Wooding CBE have been appointed as Commissioners as part of the Civil Service Commission. Three new Civil Service Commissioners have been appointed to the Civil Service Commission, which regulates recruitment into the Civil Service. Elizabeth Hambley, Tony Poulter OBE, and Dr Neil Wooding CBE have been appointed […]

Are you a hiring manager looking to broaden the pool of applicants for Civil Service roles?  Come to our event on 18 March at 2pm to hear from the teams who won the Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence for innovation and commitment in recruiting external candidates. The core function of the Civil Service Commission is to […]

PRESS NOTICE The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has today been awarded the Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence for innovation and commitment in recruiting external candidates who may not have previously considered a career in the Civil Service.  The judging panel were impressed by the Ministry of Justice’s commitment and consistency in externally advertising roles – most […]

The Civil Service Commission works to ensure that recruitment into the Civil Service is based on merit, and made in a fair and open manner. Over the past year, the Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence has focused on rewarding innovative recruitment efforts by Government departments and organisations to bring in, induct and retain outstanding external candidates […]

Over 20 entries have been submitted for the 2023 Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence.  The Mark of Excellence will be given to the department/s or organisation/s that have demonstrated consistent excellent practice in promoting a career in the Civil Service and widening opportunities to external candidates. The judging panel is made up of First Civil Service […]

The Commissioner’s mark of excellence aims to showcase innovation and commitment to recruit outstanding candidates across all grades into the Civil Service.  The core function of the Commission is to ensure that recruitment is based on merit in a fair and open manner.  This year the award will focus on rewarding innovative recruitment efforts by […]

We are looking for new independent Commissioners to regulate appointments into Civil Service roles across the UK. We are particularly keen to hear from you if you have senior experience in local government or have interest and expertise in Wales. Find out more and apply here: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/7653#about-the-role Watch: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2ya69apHZ6htebCkEcQIZ1vlyGji3bE/view?usp=drive_link

Civil Service World article  Independent Article First Civil Service Commissioner, Baroness Gisela Stuart, gave evidence to the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee about the work of the Commission on 18th April 2023. You can watch the First Commissioner’s evidence session here: https://committees.parliament.uk/event/17824/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/

“People wanting to come into government at a fairly senior level know they may have to take a considerable cut in salary. But they’ve reached a stage in their professional career where they relish the complex and complicated issues they can get involved in. Government is a challenge. But they regard that challenge as a […]

“External recruitment strengthens the skills and abilities available to serve the country. There should be continual interchange - people moving in, back out to other sectors and returning to the Civil Service. There needs to be more interchange with local government and with the devolved administrations. This shouldn’t just be a one way traffic. And […]

“If we are serious about external recruitment by default, those coming in from outside the Civil Service at a senior level, need to be properly supported and inducted. There is no point in looking for talent and professional experience to complement the work of the Civil Service, only to see people leave after a short […]

From January 2023, the Civil Service Commission is delivering regular training open to all Civil Servants, but specifically aimed at those working in HR and recruitment. The slides used during these sessions are below followed by an accessible plain text version: Exceptions Refresher  This lunchtime refresher course is being run from January 2023. It is […]

The First Civil Service Commissioner Baroness Stuart (Gisela) gave a speech to directors interested in Non-Executive Director (NED) roles at the Institute of Directors in London on 8 December. Gisela talked about her experience as the Lead NED on the Cabinet Office Departmental board and her role as the First Civil Service Commissioner to which […]

The Commission has today published its annual report and accounts for the financial year 2021-22. The report contains a range of statistics and information about the Commission’s work in regulating appointments into the Civil Service and hearing appeals under the Civil Service Code. 2021/22 Annual Report & Accounts Press Release The First Civil Service Commissioner, […]

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION - ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2021 – 2022 “BRINGING IN NEW SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE STRENGTHENS THE CIVIL SERVICE” – BARONESS GISELA STUART, FIRST CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSIONER The Civil Service Commission, which regulates Civil Service appointments to provide assurance that they are made on merit after fair and open competition, has today published […]

Want to know more about innovative recruitment campaigns?  On Thursday 20 October @1400 - 1530, the Civil Service Commission is hosting a free online event which you can register to attend to hear from the teams that have been recognised by the Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence award. This event was originally due to take place in […]

BEIS has overhauled all their internal resourcing guidance and templates for advertising vacancies, introducing diversity and inclusion best practice and adopting ‘nudge theory’ prompts to reduce bias in their attraction and standard introductions. The department has taken an innovative approach to monitoring diversity and inclusion progress by connecting data insights from external Government Recruitment Service/Cabinet […]

INNOVATIVE AI RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN WINS FIRST EVER COMMISSIONERS’ MARK OF EXCELLENCE Campaigns that show innovation and commitment in recruiting diverse candidates to the Civil Service have been recognised in the first ever Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence.  The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) came top, from a final shortlist of 18 campaigns.    Natalie […]

The Commission’s annual report and accounts for 2021 – 22 will now be published in September owing to delays at the National Audit Office.  The winning entries for the Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence which were due to be published in our report will be announced online on 20th July.  We will also be holding an […]

First Commissioner, Gisela Stuart, gave a keynote speech at the First Division Association annual conference on 12 May. You can find the full text of her speech below: Good morning – and thank you for inviting me to speak. I’m Gisela Stuart and I am here today in my role as the First Civil Service […]

It is five years since I got the call to tell me my application to become a Civil Service Commissioner was successful - and what a five years it has been.  As I arrived the Commission had just agreed some strategic enablers:   - to support the Civil Service in recruiting the skills needed to enable […]

Please find attached the job pack to apply for the role of Commissioner: First Commissioner, Baroness Gisela Stuart of Edgbaston talks about the role of a Commissioner:

Eighteen departments and agencies have made it onto the shortlist for the Commissioners’ first ever ‘Mark of Excellence’. The new ‘Mark of Excellence’ will be awarded to recruitment campaigns that demonstrate outstanding innovation and commitment in the recruitment of diverse candidates across all grades into the Civil Service. The judging panel, led by Natalie Campbell […]

The latest Civil Service Commission diversity event took place via Zoom on Wednesday 23rd February. Aimed specifically at those from diverse backgrounds who are interested in entering the Senior Civil Service, this free online event was led by independent Civil Service Commissioner, Natalie Campbell MBE. Other speakers included Paul Gray (Civil Service Commissioner), Seonaid Webb […]

People often ask me, ‘what made you want to become a Civil Service Commissioner?’ Nearly five years on my answer today is slightly different from Day One on the job. I am a public servant and social entrepreneur in equal measure, I have a sense of duty and an overwhelming desire to do what I […]

The next Civil Service Commission diversity event will take place via Zoom on Wednesday 23rd February, 2.00 - 3.30pm. Do you aspire to reach the Senior Civil Service but have no idea about the route to get there? Do you think your non-traditional background means you won’t be successful in applying for roles in the […]

It has been a real privilege to serve as the interim First Civil Service Commissioner since September 2021, when Ian Watmore completed his fixed five-year term, and the Government started the open competition to recruit the next First Civil Service Commissioner. The Commission has had an exceptionally busy few months, with the arrival of four […]

The Civil Service Commission is launching a ‘Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence’ to showcase outstanding innovation and commitment in the recruitment of diverse candidates across all grades into the Civil Service. The award will champion diversity in its broadest sense, supporting the Government’s priority of ‘levelling up’ and the Civil Service reform agenda of an innovative […]

Tell us a little about yourself and your career background? I studied an Economics and Accountancy degree at University with vague thoughts of becoming an accountant, however I had started to become fascinated by the emerging possibilities for computing and so, when I left University, I was very excited to join ICL, a large UK-based […]

Tell us a little about yourself and your career background? I was born and educated in Belfast and was the first in my family to remain in education after the age of fourteen. I enlisted in the Ulster Defence Regiment as soon as I turned eighteen and was subsequently commissioned, commanding a rifle platoon for […]

This is the first blog in a new series of posts that will be introducing our newly appointed Commissioners. Tell us a little about yourself and your career background? I joined in the civil service in 1979, having left school earlier that year to work on a farm. I started as a clerical officer and […]

The Civil Service Commission is an independent statutory body that oversees appointments to the Civil Service, ensuring that they are made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Commissioners also promote and hear appeals brought under the Civil Service Code.  The new Commissioners come from both private and public sector backgrounds and […]

Rosie Glazebrook has been appointed as the interim First Civil Service Commissioner while the Cabinet Office completes the appointment process for Ian Watmore’s successor. The First Civil Service Commissioner leads the Civil Service Commission, which regulates appointments to the Civil Service and hears appeals from civil servants under the Civil Service Code. The First Commissioner also chairs the recruitment […]

PRESS NOTICE 21 July 2021 Civil Service Commission – annual report and accounts 2020 - 2021 The independent Civil Service Commission, which regulates Civil Service appointments to provide assurance that they are made on merit after fair and open competition, published its annual report for 2020 – 21 today. The annual report contains a range […]

Naheed Hussain In our eighth blog in this series, Naheed Hussain, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor - Legal Development - CPS, talks about her experience of working in the Civil Service. About Naheed Naheed is a Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor (DCCP) in CPS headquarters. She leads the Team that is responsible for the delivery of legal training to […]

The second online disability event on Wednesday 28th April was aimed at both prospective candidates for Senior Civil Service roles who have a disability and hiring managers alike. The event was chaired by the Chief Executive of the Civil Service Commission, Peter Lawrence OBE. The panel of speakers included an independent Civil Service Commissioner, Rosie […]

Jolyon Thomson OBE In our seventh blog in this series, Jolyon Thomson OBE, Deputy Director - International and Trade, talks about his experience of working in the Civil Service. About Jolyon Jolyon has been a Government lawyer for 25 years, primarily working on international and EU law in Defra’s areas of responsibility. He is currently […]

Civil Service Commissioner Jane Burgess has recorded a very short zoom presentation on how ministers can and should be involved in recruitment to the Civil Service, in line with the Commission’s Recruitment Principles. “I hope this helps to explain how ministers can be involved in a fair, open and merit-based process under the Recruitment Principles.” […]

On 15th January the Commission held an online session with over 100 recruitment managers and team leaders across the Civil Service on working with the Recruitment Principles. The Commission's Recruitment Principles document is the key source for departments and agencies making appointments. They set out the Commission's interpretation of the statutory requirement of appointment on merit on […]

Jason Ghaboos In our sixth blog in this series, Jason Ghaboos, Deputy Director - Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion, talks about his experience of working in the Civil Service. About Jason Jason was appointed as Deputy Director, Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion in June 2020. In that role, Jason leads the Inclusive Practice team, working […]

The Corporate Services team held an online training session on 19th January for all staff on the use of social media. Like all civil servants, Commission staff are expected to adhere to a code which mirrors the Civil Service Code – both online and offline (for further information on Commission guidance visit the links below). […]

Seonaid Webb MBE In our fifth blog in this series, Seonaid Webb MBE - Deputy Director, Head of Secondary Legislation, Constitution and Borders Directorate, DEFRA and Deputy Disability Champion - talks about her experience of working in the Civil Service. About Seonaid Seonaid has been a civil servant for 17 years and is currently a […]

The REACH - Senior Disability Network has recently published a series of interviews as part of their 'Empowering Disabled Staff into Senior Grades' workshop series. Please see below links to all six interviews: Ben Merrick Seonaid Webb Stuart Armstrong Shaun Gallagher Jeanette Rosenberg Stephen Braviner Roman

Nagesh Reddy In our fourth blog in this series, Nagesh Reddy, Portfolio Director - DWP Change Delivery, talks about his experience of working in the Civil Service. About Nagesh Nagesh was appointed Portfolio Director - DWP Change Delivery in January 2020. In that role, Nagesh leads a range of programmes spanning change, transformation and delivery […]

In our third blog in this series, Ben Merrick, Director, Overseas Territories Directorate, HM Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory and HM Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory, talks about his experience of working in the Civil Service. About Ben Ben was appointed Director of Overseas Territories at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in August […]

The online event on Wednesday 7th October was aimed specifically at candidates for Senior Civil Service roles who have a disability. The event was chaired by the Chief Executive of the Civil Service Commission, Peter Lawrence OBE, alongside two independent Civil Service Commissioners, Jan Cameron and June Milligan and the Commission Disability Advisor, John Knight […]

The Art of the Possible – supporting the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy The drive to increase the diversity of the Civil Service is keenly shared by the Commission. As the regulator, we’re there to provide assurance that appointments are made fairly and on merit, so internal levers to increase diversity such as talent […]

In the second blog in this series, John Knight CBE, who advises the Commission Board on disability, talks about his own experience and what more he thinks can be done to attract and support disabled candidates into senior Civil Service roles.  About John John Knight’s career has spanned the voluntary and statutory sectors including the […]

The Commission is running an online open event on 7 October 2020 aimed specifically at candidates for senior roles in the Civil Service who have a disability. Last year, 6% of applicants reported having a disability in recruitment competitions chaired by Commissioners, although it is estimated that 18% of the working-age population in Britain are disabled as defined […]

In the first of a series of articles about disability and working in the Civil Service, Alistair Watters, Director Grenfell Site and Programme at MCHLG, talks about his own experience in both the private and public sector and what needs to happen to build candidates’ confidence that their disability won’t count against them. About Alistair […]

The Commission held its first online event on Wednesday 22nd July where we set out to Demystify the Civil Service Code. During this event the Chief Executive of the Civil Service Commission was joined by two Civil Service Commissioner's and two members of the Commission's secretariat, to talk in depth about the Civil Service Code. […]

PRESS NOTICE 20 July 2020 The independent Civil Service Commission, which regulates Civil Service appointments to provide assurance that they are made on merit after fair and open competition, published its annual report for 2019 – 20 today.  The annual report contains a range of statistics and information about the Commission’s work including:  - 39,654 people were recruited […]

“One of the things I really enjoy as a Commissioner overseeing appointments processes is the huge diversity of roles and responsibilities in the Civil Service. The new Covid-19 response campaign HereForYou really highlights that.” Isabel Doverty, Civil Service Commissioner HereForYou really highlights that.” Isabel Doverty, Civil Service Commissioner From sourcing and procurement and to prisons […]

Please find the Commission's response to general enquiries to dealing with recruitment during the current time. This is based on the questions we have been receiving. We ask that you check this in the first instance, before contacting the Commission directly. If the answer to the question is not there, please call 0207 271 0831 or email info@csc.gov.uk.  […]

This week, the Commission held another open event in Horseguards Road on ‘Demystifying the Civil Service Code’. Two Commissioners – Sarah Laessig and Jane Burgess, and members of the Commission secretariat were on hand to talk about the Code and the Commission’s role in hearing appeals from civil servants. Jane Burgess said: “The core values […]

Last week, the Civil Service Commission hosted two students for work experience. Both students, Shuayb Alom and Ikram Miah, are currently in the sixth form at Oaks Park High School, Ilford. The Commission organised a week-long programme of events including visits to the Government Digital Service and Parliament, as well as meeting our Commissioners. They […]

At our open events the most popular part of the session is undoubtedly when Commissioners talk about their top tips when applying for a post in the senior Civil Service. Here a quick round up from our recent open events: Jane Burgess “First off, do what is set out in the pack. Contact the vacancy […]

If interested in attending future sessions please email info@csc.gov.uk

The Commission hosted an event this week for recruiters and headhunting firms who work with government departments, aimed at increasing understanding of its work and championing diversity in senior recruitment to the Civil Service. Melanie Dawes, the Civil Service diversity and inclusion champion, and Richard Heaton, the Civil Service race equality champion, joined Commissioners Natalie […]

As well as its Commissioners personally chairing panels for recruitment processes at the senior levels, the Commission must check that external recruitment carried out within departments and agencies is compliant with our Recruitment Principles. We do this through an in-house audit of the recruitment practices of over 70 departments and agencies, which identifies any breaches […]

In July, the Commission welcomed three sixth formers from Oaks Park High School in Ilford for work experience. Aarti Soba, Strategy Officer at the Commission arranged a programme of events and meetings to introduce Anjalina Seehra, Gurnek Virk and Zayaan Khan, all aged 17, to the work of the Commission and the other independent offices […]

"Life Chances Schemes are good for diversity of the Civil Service and for communities" Ian Watmore, First Civil Service Commissioner The independent Civil Service Commission, which regulates Civil Service appointments to provide assurance that they are made on merit after fair and open competition, published its annual report for 2018-19 today and highlighted its work […]

The Commission has produced three short, informative films below. These will help you to better understand what the Commission is, what the Recruitment Principles are and how the Civil Service Code works. Scroll down to view! Civil Service Commission: An Introduction Civil Service Commission: The Recruitment Principles Civil Service Commission: The Code

Working with the Civil Service to support initiatives to boost the employability of individuals with limited ‘life chances’ is one of the Commission’s strategic priorities for 2019. The Commission’s support for a joint Cabinet Office and Ministry of Justice project in the North West of England, helping ex-offenders back into work, already led to an […]

The Commission held two Open Events on 4 March to demystify the recruitment process for senior roles and help potential applicants understand how Commissioners carry out their role ensuring open, fair and merit-based recruitment. Commissioners Jane Burgess (seen speaking in the photo above), Natalie Campbell, Rosie Glazebrook and June Milligan took participants through the various […]