“A retrograde and unnecessary step”: FDA criticises new SCS performance management guidance
The FDA has criticised the government’s decision to delay the implementation of reforms to the performance management system for Senior Civil Servants (SCS), and the announcement that the existing performance management policy, with some adjustments, will apply for 2022/23. The adjustments will see those at SCS level ranked in one of four categories, with an expectation that 5% of staff will be ranked in the lowest category.
As reported by Civil Service World, FDA Assistant General Secretary Lucille Thirlby described the updated guidance as “a retrograde and unnecessary step”, adding that “it is hard to comprehend why any organisation would arbitrarily decide that 5% of its staff must be underperforming”.
In a message to FDA members in the Senior Civil Service, Thirlby further expressed her disappointment at the decision, and added that the FDA had made further representations to the Senior Salaries Review Body, making clear the union’s unhappiness at the approach:
“It is disappointing that all the work the Cabinet Office has undertaken to change and improve the Performance Management system will not be realised for another year.”
FDA members can read the FDA’s full submission to this year’s Senior Salaries Review Body here.
Related News
-
Prime Minister responds to FDA’s criticism of his language regarding civil servants
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman received a letter from Prime Minister Keir Starmer responding to the FDA’s criticism of statements he made regarding the civil service during his Plan for Change speech.
-
Civil servants will welcome ‘test and learn culture’ with genuine political support
Responding to Pat McFadden’s plans for civil service reform, the FDA says civil servants will welcome a “test and learn culture”, as long as it’s a genuine commitment from the government.
-
FDA General Secretary writes to Prime Minister over “disappointing” and “insulting” language regarding civil service
The FDA has written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in response to comments he made during the launch of the government’s Plan for Change, in which he said that too many in Whitehall were “comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline” and had a “don’t say anything” attitude.