Appeals under the Civil Service Code

The Commissioners hear civil servants' appeals under the Civil Service Code and the Diplomatic Service Code of Ethics (see our website)

In 2006/07 the Commissioners considered two appeals:

• Allegation of political bias at a senior level within the Civil Service. click for outcome
  

• Allegations that a senior civil servant:
  
  
• Tried to influence the release of information requested under the Freedom of Information Act
• contracted to the department consultants with whom he had a personal acquaintance
• did not provide Ministers with objective advice, taking into account expert and professional advice click for outcome

Nine approaches fell outside the Civil Service Code (compared with 17 such approaches in 2005/06)

The Commissioners help to maintain impartiality and standards of conduct and propriety in the Civil Service by hearing appeals from civil servants under the Civil Service Code and the Diplomatic Service Code of Ethics (see our website

).

Commissioners will consider with the Cabinet Office how to publicise further the system of appeals under the Code.

If a civil servant believes that they are being required to act in a way which conflicts with the Civil Service Code, the relevant department or agency must consider the person's concern and make sure that they are not penalised for raising it. Normally, we would expect a civil servant to initiate an appeal by talking to their line manager or someone else in the line management chain. If for any reason this would be difficult, the civil servant should raise the matter with their department's Nominated Officer who has been appointed to advise staff on the Code. Similarly, if civil servants become aware of actions by others which they believe conflict with the Code, they should take the same route.

The role of the Nominated Officer is that of an impartial intermediary between the individual raising concern and any other parties. They advise individual members of staff on the interpretation of the Civil Service Code; on steps that might be taken to resolve a concern relating to the Code; and how to take such a concern forward through departmental procedures. Should the need arise, the Nominated Officer will consult the Permanent Secretary of the department or Agency Chief Executive.

If, having taken the steps above, the civil servant considers that they have not received a reasonable response, they may report the matter to the Civil Service Commissioners.

Our Office also received nine approaches which we did not consider because they fell outside the Civil Service Code. These covered HR management issues such as appraisals; promotion; relations between line managers and staff; pay and allowances; and disciplinary procedures. Where appropriate, they were referred back to the relevant department to consider. In 2005/06, there were 17 such approaches that fell outside the Codes.