Civil Service Commission announces new recruitment workshops

The free training sessions aim to help departments to run fair, open and merit-based recruitment
Photo: Dilok/Adobe Stock

By Tevye Markson

07 Aug 2025

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 

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