ARCHIVED - Amendment to the executive assessment requirements (08-12)

Notice

The Public Service Commission has moved since this document was first published and therefore the address and telephone numbers indicated may no longer be accurate. Please consult the Contact Us page for up-to-date contact information.

2008-05-07

Contact persons: Philippe Proulx, Director, Assessment Oversight at 613-943-2941

The Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) gives the Public Service Commission (PSC) the authority to make policies on appointment processes. The Assessment Policy outlines the assessment requirements for all appointments to and within the Executive (EX) Group. Specifically, those responsible for assessment must conduct a structured interview and a structured reference check and use any necessary additional tools to ensure that the merit criteria for the position in question are assessed fully and to provide evidence for appointment decisions. The PSC amended the Assessment Policy to allow exceptions to the EX assessment requirements for a structured interview and a structured reference check, on a case-by-case basis, and subject to PSC approval.

The Assessment Policy has been further amended, effective April 18, 2008. While the amended policy retains the current requirements for EX appointments, it adds flexibility to use a narrative assessment as an acceptable alternative to the structured interview and structured reference check for all acting EX appointments of four months and over. Going forward, a written narrative that assesses the relevant qualifications for a position, including the Key Leadership Competencies, may be used. It must cite concrete behavioural examples and be signed by a manager who is sufficiently familiar with the applicant's performance and accomplishments to attest to the accuracy of the information provided.

A delegated manager who is extending an EX acting appointment may use a written narrative assessment instead of a structured interview and a structured reference check without having to request PSC approval for an exception to the EX assessment requirements.

The amended Assessment Policy also reflects a modification to the composition of EX assessment boards to include other parties as necessary for a comprehensive assessment. The participation on EX assessment boards of persons such as other EXs, incumbents, human resources (HR) specialists, psychologists and other experts with an in-depth knowledge of the position requirements can result in valuable input and lead to more sound, values-based appointment decisions and compliance with the PSEA and the PSC's policy requirements.

The Assessment Policy was changed following consultations suggesting that the active participation of HR specialists and other competent individuals on EX assessment boards was being unduly restricted and emphasized the need for greater flexibility for temporary appointments.

Please visit the PSC Web site for the complete Appointment Framework, including the Assessment Policy.

Yours sincerely,

Jean Ste-Marie
Senior Vice-President, Policy Branch
Public Service Commission

c.c: Chiefs of Staffing

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