Audit, Evaluation and Studies

The Public Service Commission (PSC) Audit, Evaluation and Studies Branch carries out Audits, Evaluations, Studies and Statistical Studies as part of the PSC's responsibilities to safeguard the integrity of staffing in the public service and the political impartiality of public servants.

Audit

The PSC performs audits on the staffing activities of individual government departments and agencies, and on government-wide issues examined in a number of departments and agencies. These audits are objective and systematic examinations that provide independent assessments of the performance and management of staffing activities. Their purpose is to provide objective information, advice and assurance to Parliament, and ultimately Canadians, on the integrity of the appointment process in the federal public service.

Evaluation

The Public Service Commission (PSC) derives its mandate from the current Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). In simple terms, this means that the PSC is accountable directly to Parliament for the quality of all appointments to and within the federal public service. One way that we ensure the staffing system is functioning well is through government-wide evaluations such as considering the effect of our policies on departments, as well as how well those departments are responding to the authorities delegated to them by the Commission. The goal is to proactively identify and take advantage of emerging opportunities for improvements. Another equally important evaluation goal is to prepare the Commission to actively participate in the legislative five-year review of the current PSEA.

Studies

Studies are more descriptive or exploratory in nature than audits. While still focused on staffing issues, they usually concentrate on:

• Describing a subject or developing an information base;
• Exploring that subject or information base; or
• Developing a method to assess that subject or information base in the future.

Statistical Studies

Statistical Studies are analytical studies that make use of the PSC's extensive data holdings to shed light on issues related to hiring and staffing activities in the federal public service. These Statistical Studies usually concentrate on:

• Describing in analytical terms how the staffing system functions;
• Addressing specific policy or program issues from an analytical perspective; and
• Providing analytical support to the PSC's oversight functions.

Methodology

The PSC Audit Manual describes the PSC audit methodology, explaining in broad terms how audits are selected, planned, conducted and reported.