Commissioners are appointed on merit following public advertisement by fair and open competition. There are currently three Commissioners who bring wide experience from the public, private and third sectors to the statutory duties we are required to perform.
We report annually on our work, including details of any appeals we have received under the Northern Ireland Civil Service Code of Ethics.
Our Code of Practice sets out the standards of conduct we will observe.
The Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland support the Northern Ireland Audit Office “Conflicts of Interest – A Good Practice Guide” as the basis for effectively recognising and dealing with conflicts of interest. This Guide can be found at Conflicts of Interest - A Good Practice Guide
Commissioners will maintain an awareness of, and declare as appropriate, any interest, whether direct or indirect, including the interests of close relatives and friends that might have the potential to influence a Commissioner’s judgement, or that a reasonable person might perceive to have the potential to influence a Commissioner’s judgement.
Commissioners will update the Register of Interests quarterly.
In relation to their role in chairing interview panels, Commissioners will declare any potential conflict of interest, or perceived conflict of interest, at each stage of the competition.