LHHR: Overview of the results of the organizational cyclical assessments (19-05)

2019-05-24

As part of the implementation of the New Direction in Staffing in April 2016, the Public Service Commission (PSC) realigned its oversight framework by providing deputy heads greater emphasis on leadership, accountability and discretion in the oversight of staffing within their respective organization.

A component of this framework is organizational cyclical assessments to inform deputy heads of the health of their staffing system and to enable continuous improvement. These assessments also allow the PSC to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of the challenges and successes organizations are experiencing across the federal public service, and allow the PSC to adjust its guidance and support as required.

The PSC would like to share some of the strengths from the results of the organizational cyclical assessments received so far:

• The evaluation is based on a risk analysis
• a tailored risk analysis makes it possible to target the monitoring according to the specific needs and context of the organization. 
• The scope of the reviewed requirements is appropriate
• the assessment of an appropriate number of requirements allows for the deputy head to be well informed of compliance with the various requirements of the appointment framework.
• A reliable methodology is used
• the various methodologies and sources of information used, as well as the consideration of a sufficient period and sample, allow for trends to be identified, conclusions to be drawn and for reporting with confidence to the deputy head on the reliability of the results. With this in mind, some organizations relied on the expertise of their internal audit group.
• Corrective measures are taken to address deficiencies
  • observations and conclusions highlight the risks to the organizational staffing system and allow for the identification and implementation of corrective measures to address identified deficiencies.

We have noticed that the few results of cyclical assessments received so far are varied. Organizations seem to have adapted the monitoring of their staffing system to their own needs and organizational context. In addition to their cyclical assessment, some organizations also conduct ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness and efficiency of their staffing system.

We encourage organizations that have not yet completed their cyclical assessment to build on the strengths that have been identified so far. We remind you that, as per the Appointment Delegation and Accountability Instrument, deputy heads must complete their first cyclical assessment no later than March 31, 2021, and report the results to the PSC before May 1st, 2021. For smaller organizations, deputy heads may establish an arrangement with the PSC to conduct their cyclical assessment on their behalf.

If you require further information or if you are a small organization whose deputy head wishes to establish an arrangement with the PSC for the cyclical assessment, please contact your PSC Staffing Support Advisor who will be pleased to assist you.

Patricia Jaton
Vice-President
Policy and Communications Sector
Public Service Commission