Delegation under the new PSEA

May - June 2005

Delegated Authorities

The PSC will delegate all appointment authorities, including external recruitment and EX resourcing, with the exception of the following authorities:

• to appoint ministerial staff priorities to the executive group; and
• to revoke the appointment or take corrective action further to investigations of external processes, non-delegated internal processes, suspected political influence and suspected fraud.

Appointment Delegation and Accountability Instrument (ADAI)

Consists of:

• A letter which includes the terms and conditions of delegation
• Annex A - the detailed list of delegated authorities
• Annex B - the Staffing Management Accountability Framework (SMAF)

Conditions:

• respect merit and the appointment values
• respect the PSEA, the PSER, statutory instruments and policies
• respect the accountability requirements (such as establishing a departmental SMAF)
• make the ADAI and all departmental policies, as well as sub-delegation terms and conditions, accessible to all sub-delegated officials, employees, and bargaining agents
• ensure that appointment and appointment-related decisions are fully documented and are accessible

Sub-delegation:

• Must be in writing
• Some restrictions apply for appointments to:
  • the executive group: the deputy head can sub-delegate only to employees within his/her organization
  • all other groups and levels: the deputy head can sub-delegate to employees within his/her organization or to employees in another organization which has an ADAI with the PSC
  • other arrangements can be made with the PSC

The DH cannot sub-delegate the following authorities:

• extending the exemption period;
• revoking an appointment following an investigation of an internal appointment process; and
• sub-delegating or revoking sub-delegation.

Sub-delegated officials:

• To be and to remain competent.
• Have access to:
  • necessary training
  • a human resources specialist whose expertise has been validated by the PSC
  • the ADAI and a clear description of their roles and responsibilities

Appointment Framework Knowledge Test

• To assess knowledge of all aspects of the PSC Appointment Framework
• Written test, multiple choice format, closed book
• For HR specialists providing staffing advice
• Why the test?
• What about certification?

Appointment Delegation and Accountability Instrument (ADAI)

Remedial Measures:

• They follow a contravention or an abuse of delegated or sub-delegated authorities
• Could include:
  • additional conditions or limitations
  • the partial or complete withdrawal of delegated authorities

What's in it for you?

• Empowerment
• More flexibility and streamlining
• A clear description of roles and responsibilities
• A clear list of authorities delegated to the deputy heads
• A clear description of the conditions of delegation and sub-delegation

Tools…

• The Appointment Delegation and Accountability Instrument
• Questions and Answers
• The Guide to the Sub-delegation of Appointment and Appointment-related Authorities
• Support and advice