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Whitehall reform gives PM new choice in appointments | Whitehall reform gives PM new choice in appointments |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The prime minister is to be given a selection of candidates from which to choose the heads of Whitehall departments, under plans drawn up by the Civil Service watchdog. | The prime minister is to be given a selection of candidates from which to choose the heads of Whitehall departments, under plans drawn up by the Civil Service watchdog. |
Previously, the PM was presented with a single name drawn up by a panel, which he could either approve or reject. | Previously, the PM was presented with a single name drawn up by a panel, which he could either approve or reject. |
The new procedure will apply to around 25 senior positions. | The new procedure will apply to around 25 senior positions. |
All three main Westminster parties have given assurances that appointments will continue to be based on merit. | All three main Westminster parties have given assurances that appointments will continue to be based on merit. |
Earlier this year the Commons Public Administration Committee said offering prime ministers a choice of candidates risked decisions being made for reasons other than their ability to do the job. | Earlier this year the Commons Public Administration Committee said offering prime ministers a choice of candidates risked decisions being made for reasons other than their ability to do the job. |
Under the new system, the prime minister will be presented with a choice of those deemed "appointable" and a summary of their individual strengths and weaknesses. | Under the new system, the prime minister will be presented with a choice of those deemed "appointable" and a summary of their individual strengths and weaknesses. |
'Wide consensus' | 'Wide consensus' |
The decision was announced by the first civil service commissioner, and former permanent secretary at the Department for Education and the Home Office, Sir David Normington. | |
In a statement, he said: "We have been cautious about this change - and remain so - but now believe that with important safeguards this change is possible." | In a statement, he said: "We have been cautious about this change - and remain so - but now believe that with important safeguards this change is possible." |
Sir David said the Civil Service Commission had "long accepted the need for ministers to be fully involved in the competitions for the most senior posts in their department". | |
"We recognise that there is now wide consensus for this change - including from the three largest parties in Parliament and other non-political bodies such as the Institute for Government and current and former senior civil servants including the cabinet secretary." | "We recognise that there is now wide consensus for this change - including from the three largest parties in Parliament and other non-political bodies such as the Institute for Government and current and former senior civil servants including the cabinet secretary." |
The change was welcomed by Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude, whose spokesman said: "The relationships between ministers and their permanent secretaries are the most important in Whitehall. | |
"We have long argued that it was appropriate for the Prime Minister to be given a choice of candidates deemed appointable by a panel chaired by the Civil Service Commission. We are pleased that the commission have now changed their position and agreed this." | |
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, said: "We broadly welcome today's announcement, balancing the argument for greater ministerial involvement in selecting heads of department with the fundamental principle of selection on merit." | |
He added: "Political impartiality is the cornerstone of a permanent civil service but it does not mean - and it has never meant - that there can be no ministerial involvement in the process of selection." |
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