The Civil Service

Definition

The Civil Service refers to the administrative body of government employees who are responsible for implementing the policies and programs of the executive branch. Unlike politicians, civil servants are permanent, non-partisan, and career-oriented individuals who serve as the 'engine room' of the government.

Characteristics of the Civil Service

• Permanency: Civil servants remain in office even after a change in government (change of ministers or political parties).
• Neutrality: Civil servants are expected to be politically neutral. They serve whichever government is in power without bias.
• Anonymity: Civil servants work behind the scenes. They neither take credit for successes nor blame for failures in public; the Minister takes the responsibility.
• Impartiality: Services are rendered to the public regardless of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.
• Meritocracy: Recruitment and promotion are theoretically based on qualifications, performance, and examinations rather than patronage.
• Hierarchy: There is a clear chain of command and a defined structure of authority.

Functions of the Civil Service

• Policy Implementation: Translating the laws and policies made by the legislature and executive into action.
• Advisory Role: Providing expert advice to ministers and political heads based on technical knowledge and experience.
• Preparation of Budget: Assisting in the collation of data and drafting of the annual national budget.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining continuity by keeping records of previous government actions and decisions.
• Delegated Legislation: Drafting rules and regulations (Statutory Instruments) under the authority of an Act of Parliament.

Structure of the Civil Service

The civil service is typically divided into several classes:

• Administrative Class: The highest level, responsible for policy formulation and coordination (e.g., Permanent Secretaries).
• Professional/Technical Class: Experts in specific fields such as Doctors, Engineers, and Lawyers.
• Executive Class: Responsible for the day-to-day implementation of policies and supervising clerical work.
• Clerical Class: Involved in routine office work such as filing and typing.
• Manipulative/Auxiliary Class: Includes drivers, cleaners, and security personnel.

Control of the Civil Service

To prevent the abuse of power and ensure efficiency, the civil service is controlled through:

• Executive Control: Through the Minister and the Public Service Commission.
• Legislative Control: Through oversight functions, investigative committees, and the power of the purse.
• Judicial Control: The courts can declare actions of civil servants ultra vires (beyond their power).
• Ombudsman (Public Complaints Commission): Investigates complaints by citizens against administrative injustice.
• Press/Public Opinion: Scrutiny through the media.

Problems of the Civil Service

Common challenges include:

• Bureaucracy (Red Tape): Excessive adherence to rules which delays decision-making.
• Political Interference: Politicians pressuring civil servants to bypass rules for personal gain.
• Corruption: Bribery and embezzlement of public funds.
• Lack of Adequate Facilities: Poor working environments and outdated technology.
• Brain Drain: Highly skilled professionals leaving for the private sector or abroad due to poor remuneration.