The Civil Service Commission has launched a review into the application of revolving doors rules for the most senior civil servants and special advisers.
The watchdog has also kicked off its first audit of departmental approaches to handling applications under the business appointment rules at grades below director general in the civil service.
In October 2025, the commission’s remit was extended to include providing independent advice on the application of the business appointments rules to the most senior civil servants and special advisers. It was also asked to make recommendations to ministers on further strengthening the rules and to undertake audits of departmental processes in handling applications at lower grades.
First civil service commissioner Baroness Gisela Stuart said the just-launched review of the business appointment rules for the most senior officials “will 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.
As part of the review, the commission will seek views via an open consultation as well as holding interviews and roundtables with experts, applicants and other stakeholders. Stuart said the review will also seek to benchmark against international systems.
The review will conclude in autumn following the completion of the commission’s first round of audits of applications handled by departments at lower grades.
These audits, which are being rolled out to 20 ministerial departments, will take place alongside the commission’s regular audits of recruitment practice within departments.
They will include a review of 2025-26 application data to identify and address any regional or departmental inconsistencies.