Individuals can complain if they believe the principles in the Recruitment Code have been breached. They should first complain to the department or agency concerned. If they are not satisfied with the response, they can complain to the Commissioners. If we uphold a complaint, we make recommendations both in relation to the specific case and to guard against future breaches of the Code.
During the year, our Office received four complaints (compared with seven in 2005/06). Two complaints were not upheld.
In one case, a candidate argued that the ‘two ticks’ provision guaranteeing an interview for disabled applicants had not been properly applied. We were satisfied that the complainant did not meet the minimum criteria for the post.
The second concerned the handling of what turned out to be an internal promotion. The complainant was advised that the matter lay outside the Commissioners' remit.
The other two complaints were received towards the end of the reporting year and were not resolved by the year end.
