Exceptions Forms

Exceptions to the Recruitment Principles are delegated to departments except where the Commission’s prior is approval is required.

The Commissioner's prior approval is required for:

Any appointment by Exception at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 2 or above at any grade on a salary at or above the SCS Pay Band 2 minimum, pro rata
Any extension or variation of any fixed-term appointment previously agreed by the Commission at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 2 or above or on a salary at or above the SCS Pay Band 2 minimum
The use of an Exception within 12 months of an earlier Exception for the same individual (but not for former civil servants appointed under the terms of Exception 5)
Any fixed-term appointment by Exception, or Exceptions, in excess of two years

When requesting the prior approval of the Commission we suggest departments use the following forms. Failure to use the form may mean important information is missing and it may take longer to receive a decision from the Commission.

Please note, all our forms are in Microsoft Word format. Should you require a different format, for accessibility purposes for example, please email in with details to info@csc.gov.uk

We are aware of a temporary issue preventing MS Word downloads on Google Chrome. If you require these in the meantime please try a different browser or email us for a copy of the required form.

Exception extension request (MS Word, 28KB) - to request an extension to any exception appointment.

Exception appointment at SCS PB2+ (MS Word, 28KB) - to request to make an appointment under any exception at or above SCS PB2 grade or FTE salary.

Exception within 12 months of an earlier exception (MS Word, 30KB) - to request a new exception appointment within 12 months of a previous exception appointment.

Exception 10 - conversion to permanency (MS Word, 28KB) - to request to utilise Exception 10 - conversion to permanency for an Exception 1 appointment at AA/AO grade.