The PSC's new Appointment Framework

April 25, 2005

The Public Service Commission's (PSC) Appointment Framework for the new Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) is now finalized. This framework can now be used to develop a staffing approach for your organization.

Developed in close collaboration with the human resources community, bargaining agents, APEX and deputy heads from across the federal government, the framework exemplifies our joint commitment to making a difference in how we manage human resources in the federal Public Service.  I thank everyone for their contributions to this process.

I would also like to thank the Deputy Minister sub-committees on Staffing and Staffing Recourse, and Accountability, as well as co-chairs Larry Murray, Alain Jolicoeur, Margaret Bloodworth and Ivan Fellegi for their contribution to the implementation of this important initiative.

The Appointment Framework comprises three components: policy, delegation and accountability.  The intent of the framework is to protect the integrity of the staffing system by balancing the flexibility of the new legislation with a strong emphasis on accountability.  The complete Appointment Framework is available on our new PSEA Web site at  http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/psea-lefp and will come into force with the new PSEA on December 31, 2005.

The approval of the Appointment Framework marks the beginning of the process to fully delegate appointment and appointment-related authorities under the new act to the deputy heads.  The PSC will contact you, and your head of human resources, regarding the next steps in this process.  We will also be working closely with the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada (PSHRMAC) and the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) to organize events to help you further understand your new authorities and accountabilities.

The new legislation and the Appointment Framework provide deputy heads with the opportunity to build a tailored staffing approach, which enables appointment of qualified people to meet the needs of the organization and the broader Public Service.  I encourage deputy heads to meet with their head of human resources and their senior management team to discuss how best to take advantage of this opportunity, while respecting the commitment to fairness, accessibility and transparency.

We also understand that departments and agencies need advice and support to interpret the new appointment policy, to understand the reporting and accountability associated with delegation, and to develop their own staffing system.  The PSC will provide information sessions, as well as  a series of guides and tools, to assist organizations in implementing the new PSEA.  Individual human resources specialists may also contact their PSC Strategic Staffing Consultant.

The PSC will also continue to offer recruitment and assessment services to help managers across the country meet their human resources objectives.

In addition to this support, I am available to meet with you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.  I have also included links to two documents on the Appointment Framework, one of which is to provide you with highlights of the Appointment Framework (http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/psea-lefp/framework/dh_e.htm) and the other is a fact sheet for distribution to your managers (http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/psea-lefp/framework/managers_guide_e.htm).

In the near future, your department will also be receiving information from PSHRMAC regarding the proposed direction on the new Employer responsibilities.  The PSC is working closely with PSHRMAC, CSPS, and the Human Resources Council, to support departments and agencies as they work to implement the new PSEA. 

We have the unique opportunity to implement, together, a modern human resources system that will meet your needs and the expectations of Canadians.

Maria Barrados, PhD
President

Links:

• Appointment Framework
• Highlights of the Appointment Framework
• Fact Sheet