The Civil Service Commission has announced a series of new training workshops to help departments run fair, open and merit-based recruitment.
New training sessions have been launched "following positive engagement” with its training in 2024-25 and draw on common trends identified through the commission’s 2024-25 audit, the regulator said.
The commission audits a sample of recruitment campaigns across departments each year to check they are meeting the legal standard and to highlight positive practice.
The first workshop – on common breaches and lessons learned – took place yesterday, with five more classes lined up over the next few months:
Exceptions
Wednesday 20 August | 13:00 – 14:00
A focused session on commonly used exceptions - how and when they apply, and when to seek the commission’s prior approval.
Job Adverts Masterclass: Crafting Effective Job Adverts
Wednesday 3 September | 13:00 – 14:00
Improve advert clarity, inclusivity and structure to enhance candidate experience and reduce risks. Includes a mock advert exercise.
The Use of Reserve Lists
Wednesday 17 September | 13:00 – 14:00
Understand how to compliantly manage reserve lists, including extensions, reassignments and location changes.
Mastering the Audit Process
Wednesday 1 October | 13:00 – 14:00
An essential guide to preparing for audits – tracking processes, managing risks and maintaining compliance.
Commissioner-Chaired Campaigns & Panel Composition
Wednesday 15 October | 13:00 - 14:00
Covering the composition and responsibility of selection panels, the role of a department’s link commissioner, panel composition and diversity considerations, and insights from a commissioner about their experience as a chair.
The commission said the workshops – which are all be being held on Microsoft Teams – will be take place on a rolling basis throughout the year, with new dates and registration links added regularly. Participants must use a government-issued email address to register.
Click here for more information on how to register.
Also, check out this op-ed from a civil service commissioner which contains tips for using Civil Service Commission audits to improve recruitment practice