PSC Audit Reports point to areas where improvements are needed and provide an example of what can be achieved when HR is made an organizational priority

Ottawa, October 3, 2006 --- Two audit reports tabled today by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Canada point to the need for more attention to certain staffing-related issues in the federal public service. A third report highlights an organization where significant improvements to human resources management practices have been made in the past two years. The reports were tabled with the PSC's 2005-2006 Annual Report.

The Audit of Acting Executive Appointments, which reviewed files between April 2002 and March 2004, revealed poor practices in documenting decisions. Ninety one percent of the files reviewed contained no rationale or justification for the appointment of the specific individuals as required and none of the files reviewed contained sufficient information to show that the candidates had been fully assessed against the requirements for the job.

"The Deputy heads involved have agreed to take corrective measures to ensure compliance with the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) and the PSC will be including acting Executive appointments into our oversight and monitoring plans," stated Ms. Barrados. "The values of fairness, access, transparency and representativeness need to be respected in all staffing transactions – even those of a relatively short duration. About 38% of those chosen to act temporarily in a more senior position end up with a promotion. Managers need to ensure that staffing is being done in a fair and transparent manner."

The Audit of Readiness for the New Public Service Employment Act found that departments and agencies audited met the essential elements for the coming into force of the new PSEA. "We were pleased to see that the essential elements were met. However, the process of change is just starting and challenges remain if the new Act is to be successfully implemented," Ms. Barrados said. "The reliability and timeliness of data to support monitoring of staffing activities and accountability reporting needs to improve. Deputy heads also need to support capacity-building of the human resources community in order to stem the high level of movement with the human resources field." The audit also highlights several activities that are necessary to move forward.

The Follow-up Audit of the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) found that, over the last two years, the MPCC had improved its staffing systems and practices and that they adequately responded to recommendations made in the previous audit. "The PSC has removed the remedial measures imposed in 2004 and has delegated the authority to make appointments to EX positions to the MPCC. They now have the standard delegation for appointment authorities and reporting requirements," Ms. Barrados stated.

The PSC is an independent agency reporting to Parliament. It is mandated to safeguard the integrity of the public service staffing system and the political neutrality of the public service. In addition, the PSC recruits qualified Canadians from across the country.

Please visit the PSC Web site at www.psc-cfp.gc.ca to view the audits and their highlights.

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For more information:

Tom Kelly
Manager, Media Relations,
Public Service Commission
(613) 947-7269
media@psc-cfp.gc.ca

Note: Maria Barrados, President of the Public Service Commission of Canada, will be hosting a news conference to discuss the Annual Report and Audits that were released today. The news conference will be held at 1:15 p.m. at the National Press Theatre, 150 Wellington Street, Ottawa.