HC Deb 04 December 1997 vol 302 cc325-6W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the Government's review of the working of government will include a review of the(a) transparency and (b) consistency of the Civil Service grading system. [18821]

Dr. David Clark

There is no single Civil Service grading system. As from 1 April 1996 pay and grading was delegated to departments and agencies for all Civil Servants outside the Senior Civil Service, enabling them to tailor pay and grading systems more closely to their business needs. We have no plans for a Civil Service wide review of grading systems.

Departments and agencies must evaluate their systems every three years, or earlier if they so wish. This is to ensure that they continue to reflect the key principles laid down in the Civil Service Management Code. OPS will work closely with departments and agencies on their evaluations, in support of the developing Better Government agenda.

For the Senior Civil Service (around 3,000 staff), there is a common pay framework based on job weight, comprising nine pay bands and a Permanent Secretaries' pay range. Within this framework, departments can develop their own management structures according to the needs of their organisation. There are no centrally recognised grades.