§ 26. Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what disciplinary powers are available in respect of senior civil servants and heads of Government agencies who are deemed to be incompetent or negligent. [39816]
§ Dr. David ClarkThe disciplinary powers in respect of senior civil servants and heads of agencies are no different from those applicable to other civil servants. The principles for handling disciplinary cases are set out in the Civil Service Management Code. This requires departments and agencies to ensure that staff are aware of the disciplinary procedures which apply and the circumstances in which they may be invoked. The sanctions applied as a result of disciplinary proceedings are a matter for the department or agency concerned to determine in the light of the circumstances of each case.