Policy Statement
Appointments to and promotions within the public service can only be made through a Public Service Commission (PSC) approved assessment process. In recognition of short term, unforeseen operational requirements, project-based employment or professional learning opportunities, temporary assignments/hires may be used. The PSC maintains oversight of temporary employment and communicates accordingly to organizations when not in compliance with this policy.
Application
This policy applies to all organizations specified in Schedule A of the Public Service Commission Act (PSC Act) and to positions in those organizations not otherwise excluded by Section 4 thereof.
Definitions
For the purpose of this policy:
PSC Approved Assessment Processes – defined processes, procedures and standards based on merit to assess candidates for appointments to and promotions within the public service. All assessment activities will be conducted by a Selection Board.
Selection Board – a designated panel/committee led by a Selection Board Chair, convened to conduct competitions for the recruitment of public service positions.
Selection Board Chair – an official who is certified and acting on behalf of the PSC on a Selection Board, convened to conduct competitions for the recruitment of public service positions.
Temporary Assignment – a temporary placement or promotion of an internal employee without the administration of a PSC approved assessment process. For bargaining unit positions, these assignments are for periods not to exceed 13 weeks, and for management and non-bargaining unit positions, these assignments are not to exceed 12 months.
Temporary Hire – an individual, not currently an employee, who is hired without the administration of a PSC approved assessment process. For bargaining unit positions, these assignments are for periods not to exceed 13 weeks, and for management and non-bargaining unit positions, these assignments are not to exceed 12 months.
Roles and Responsibilities
Department/Agency
It is the responsibility of the Department/Agency to:
- ensure temporary assignments are consistent with the prescribed timelines and report on all who have been temporarily assigned when requested by the PSC; and,
- ensure that all vacancies anticipated to exceed 13 weeks for bargaining unit positions and 12 months for management and non-bargaining unit positions are to be recruited through a merit-based process.
Public Service Commission
The Commission shall:
- monitor and audit to ensure compliance with this policy;
- provide guidance and interpretation of this policy; and,
- adjudicate complaints related to the application of this policy, pursuant to the PSC Act.