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The Government released today (Monday) a consultation document on reforming the Civil Service management system.

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr W K Lam, said, "The consultation paper sets out the overall framework and our initial thinking on fundamental reforms to the Civil Service management system as announced by the Chief Executive on January 14, 1999.

"With the approach of the 21st Century and a rapidly changing external environment, it is essential that the Civil Service keeps pace with the community it serves and enhances its efficiency. Our aim is to ensure that Hong Kong has a clean, trustworthy and efficient Civil Service", he added.

"We will take forward the reform in accordance with the principle laid down by Chief Executive - 'change amidst stability' and 'step by step'. We need to ensure that the reform proposals are practicable, reasonable and above all, in compliance with the law."

The reforms aim to create an open and flexible civil service structure, an enabling and motivating environment for civil servants and an accountable and responsive culture. The document sets out the overall framework of reform in the key policy areas of:

* entry and exit

* pay and fringe benefits

* disciplinary procedures

* performance management, professional training and personal development.

"We look forward to active participation and support of all interested parties to make the reform process a success. We will conduct extensive consultation with departmental management, staff at all levels and other interested parties on the initial thinking before formulating the detailed reform proposals for more in-depth consultation and gradual implementation," Mr Lam said.

"We are open to suggestions and shall thoroughly consider all views and comments received during the consultation period," he added.

The consultation exercise will last three months. Copies of the consultation document as well as a summary pamphlet are available at Central Government Offices, District Offices and on CSB's Homepage (http://www.hku.hk/hkgcsb). Views or suggestions on the consultation document may be sent to the Appointments Division of the Civil Service Bureau before June 8, 1999:

Address: Appointments Division

Civil Service Bureau

Government Secretariat

10/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices

11 Ice House Street, Central

Fax number: 2530 1265

Webpage: http://www.hku.hk/hkgcsb

E-mail: csbappt@csb.gcn.gov.hk

End/Monday, March 8, 1999

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