07/09/2002

Appointment and Promotion Bodies as we have known them will be replaced by a new set-up called the Central Review Bodies. Its task is to look at procedural elements only although merits and criteria cannot be separated from procedure. The head of the department or office will be empowered to make selection decisions after the proposed body determines that the process was followed. Even if cases are identified where the process was not followed the new body will have no authority to make alternative decisions. A roster will be provided to the head of the department who without further review can select a staff member. Although the staff union has continually advocated a reform in many aspects of human resources management, the establishment of this Central Review body "has only succeeded in creating a system that will encourage favoritism without accountability, while eliminating all control and advocacy on the part of the staff".