The Civil Service Management Code sets out the central framework for management of the Civil Service.
Last updated - 9th December 2009
5.1.1 The Senior Civil Service comprises the most senior staff in departments and agencies. Departments and agencies may determine which posts are included in the Senior Civil Service, provided that they have a job weight (JESP) score of at least 7, and which staff will fill them.
5.1.2 Responsibility for management of the Senior Civil Service is principally a matter for departments and agencies. However, some terms and conditions are determined centrally. These are summarised below, with cross references to other parts of the Management Code where appropriate.
5.1.3 The Cabinet Office assists departments and agencies to develop expertise and promote cohesion across the Senior Civil Service, through a common broad management framework and by encouraging mobility between departments and agencies. Much of this is achieved through provision of central programmes, support and co-operation rather than by applying central rules or requirements.
5.2.1 The Senior Leadership Committee (SLC) advises the Head of the Home Civil Service on the senior staffing position across the service as well as on individual appointments. The “Top 200” posts are listed by the Secretary of SLC and made available to departments and agencies. In general they meet all the following criteria:
5.2.1 (a) The Prime Minister appoints Permanent Secretaries (on the recommendation of the Head of the Home Civil Service). Other appointments to the Top 200 group must be approved by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Head of the Home Civil Service.
5.2.1 (b) Under the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992, the Prime Minister has delegated the authority to appoint Permanent Secretaries and other Top 200 appointments in the devolved administrations to the Head of the Home Civil Service.
5.2.2 Departments and agencies must obtain written approval from the Head of the Home Civil Service before retaining staff in Top 200 posts for longer than three months beyond the normal retirement age. (see section 11.3). Departments and agencies should also consult the Cabinet Office before making moves affecting any members of this group, before appointing or temporarily appointing anyone within or into these posts, and before retiring anyone from the Top 200 early on any grounds.
5.3.1 The terms and conditions laid down centrally for the Senior Civil Service are summarised below
Contracts
5.3.2 Departments and agencies must require individuals to sign a personal contract before taking up:
5.3.3 Departments and agencies must consult the Cabinet Office in advance if they wish to offer an appointment on terms significantly at variance with those set out in the model contract available from the Cabinet Office (http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/civilservice/caje/publication.htm ).
Selection and Succession Planning
5.3.4 Departments and agencies should manage the most senior staff in accordance with the SCS guidance published by the Cabinet Office.
Appraisal
5.3.5Section 6.2 sets out arrangements for appraisal of members of the Senior Civil Service.
Pay and Grading
5.3.6Sections 7.1 and 6.1 set out the arrangements for Senior Civil Service pay and grading.
Hours
5.3.7Section 9.1 sets out the hours of work for full-time members of the Senior Civil Service.
Holidays and Leave
5.3.8 The annual leave allowance for members of the Senior Civil Service is set out in Section 9.2.
Leaving the Civil Service
5.3.9Section 11.1 sets out the notice period to be given by members of the Senior Civil Service on resignation. Section 11.3 sets out the retirement age and the rules on extension.
Mobility
5.3.10Section 10.1 sets out the mobility obligation for members of the Senior Civil Service.
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