The Civil Service Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on potential changes to the revolving-doors rules for civil servants.
As part of its new responsibilities, the commission is undertaking a review of the Business Appointments Rules and how they apply to civil servants.
The rules aim to "uphold the highest standards of propriety and integrity" when individuals leave government.
Last year, the Civil Service Commission took on responsibility for vetting the post-government jobs taken up by the most senior officials and spads. It was also asked to give recommendations to ministers on strengthening the system.
The commission will use the just-launched consultation to inform the recommendations the commission makes to ministers on strengthening the rules.
The review will conclude by autumn, following the completion of the commission's first round of audits of applications handled by departments at lower grades, which will also inform the recommendations.
Launching the review in April, first civil service commissioner Baroness Gisela Stuart said it would “look at how the rules can better support a modern civil service, where movement in and out is possible and positive”.
“It is important that those joining the civil service understand the expectations when they leave – and that the system is fair and efficient for applicants, operates transparently and protects the integrity of government,” she added.
For the just-launched consultation, the commission is seeking to answer the following questions:
- What do you think the key purpose of the BARs should be?
- Are they currently defined to focus on the right risk areas?
- Do you think the current conditions are appropriate? What should the resulting conditions be?
- What changes, if any, would you make to the way the BARs process works?
- How can the commission maximise the benefits of its role overseeing both entry into and exit from the civil service?
- How should the rules be communicated to applicants to ensure maximum awareness and compliance?
- What measures, such as sanctions or contractual obligations, can be implemented to ensure adherence to the rules once conditions have been established?
- Is there sufficient transparency around decisions? What, if any, should the consequences be for non-compliance with the rules?
The commission is wecloming submissions to the consultation from "anyone with an interest in this area". The closing date for submissions is 1 July at 11.59pm. Responses should be sent by email to bars@csc.gov.uk.