Study will see if reformed civil service attracts best, brightest
A comprehensive study is under way to ascertain if the ministerial system and other post-handover civil service reforms have made government jobs less attractive.
But the study, the first of its kind launched by the government, would not necessarily lead to pay rises or more promotion opportunities for staff, Public Service Commission chairman Nicholas Ng Wing-fui said.
The watchdog on appointments and disciplinary matters is working with the Civil Service Bureau to discover whether eight major grades, such as the administrative service and executive officers, remain competitive.
Sweeping reforms introduced since the handover include the replacement of pensions by a provident fund for new recruits, longer probation periods and the ministerial system, which the commission says has a significant impact on the role of civil servants.
Mr Ng said: 'We are not saying we are worried about the competitiveness of civil service jobs. But as the largest employer, we have more recruitment than other organisations. We have to ensure we get talent.'
But he stressed the outcome would not necessarily result in pay rises or better promotion prospects for staff.
He said there were other ways to motivate staff, such as by enhancing on-the-job training and widening career experience.
He said the government would continue cutting red tape relating to civil service recruitment amid keen competition with the private sector.
On the recent appointments of deputy ministers and political assistants, Mr Ng said it was important to preserve civil service integrity while developing a political appointment system.
But he dismissed concerns over succession problems if more officials were drawn to the political tiers.
Deputy Home Affairs Secretary Raymond Tam Chi-yuen is so far the only administrative officer appointed as an undersecretary.
'The total number of appointees is not very big,' Mr Ng said. 'And they don't just come from a particular sector.
'There are 500 administrative officers. It would take a long time to deplete the pool.'
