Recruitment Principles

The Recruitment Principles explain what the fundamental requirement of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition means. The Recruitment Principles also set out the circumstances in which appointments can be made as exceptions to this requirement.

The Recruitment Principles describe what responsibilities departments and agencies have in meeting this requirement, for example the extent to which Ministers may be involved in the selection process. Departments and agencies are however free to  develop their own approaches to recruitment as long as they are consistent with the Recruitment Principles.

The Recruitment Principles came into effect on 1 April 2009 and replaced the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Code. The Commissioners have published a Question and Answer brief to help departments and agencies manage the transition.

The Recruitment Principles are concerned only with the requirements of the Orders in Council. They are not a guide to everything required to carry out recruitment; such as pre-appointment checks on nationality, health or qualifications, or the implications of employment law. It is for departments and agencies to handle the recruitment and subsequent employment of staff in a way that complies both with the Recruitment Principles and with employment law.

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