PSC Tightens Hiring Rules: Declare Relationships or Face Scrutiny

The chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Luke Rokovada, has emphasized the importance of declaring and managing the employment of relatives of senior public office holders within the civil service. This statement comes amidst growing concerns regarding policies and procedures aimed at ensuring a transparent and merit-based recruitment process for relatives of permanent secretaries or heads of departments.

Rokovada highlighted that transparency must be a cornerstone when considering individuals related to high-ranking officials for employment. He stated that all relationships need to be declared prior to engaging in recruitment processes, including those where the individual may not be a direct relative but is well-acquainted with the official overseeing the recruitment.

“People are supposed to declare… whether the person is their relative or even a very good friend. They cannot just go ahead and hold interviews without declaring the relationship between them and the person being interviewed,” he explained.

The PSC chairman warned that failure to adhere to these protocols could lead to investigations and potential administrative sanctions within the framework of public service. He noted that if a breach is established, various penalties may be applied based on the severity of the infraction to maintain integrity in the recruitment process.

Additionally, Rokovada reaffirmed that safeguards are in place within the recruitment protocols to ensure that appointments are solely merit-based. “If we know that a relationship has not been declared, then we will have to ask why it was not declared and disqualify them from being involved in the selection process,” he stated.

By enforcing these standards, the Public Service Commission seeks to preserve fairness and bolster public trust in civil service recruitment practices. This commitment to transparency is a positive step towards enhancing ethical standards in public administration, thereby fostering a more reliable and accountable civil service system.