Examples of possible subjects to be addressed within this thematic area are:

[a] structures and functions of public institutions

The organization of the public administration should rely on a clear division into standard organizations - ministries, secretariats, agencies, etc. - with the relation between ministries and executive agencies precisely determined. The responsibilities of each organization should be clearly defined, and functional reviews might be carried out to set the bases for rationalization and restructuring.

[b] civil service system

The regulations on the status of employees should provide the core staff, i.e. the civil service, with secure tenure. A central unit should set common standards across the civil service, monitor their application and hold a central personnel registry, besides other possible functions. The possibility for independent review of decisions concerning employment status should be provided.

[c] human resources management

The system for recruiting civil servants should allow equal access to all applicants, and be objectively based on the candidates’ merit. Civil servants should be appropriately and transparently compensated, and have chances to progress in their career depending on their performance. Rules concerning the disciplinary and other responsibility of civil servants shall be clear and independently enforced.

[d] human resources development

There should be a budget for the professional development of civil servants - centrally, or from each organ - invested according to a clear assessment of training needs, within a strategy with priorities for the whole administration. It should cover both horizontal skills and sectoral concerns. Training should be delivered through a specific institution or supervised outsourcing, and its quality and impact evaluated.

[e] integrity frameworks

Preserving the civil service from the danger of corruption requires usually a set of measures ranging from rotation in sensitive positions, assets disclosure to the adoption of codes of civil service ethics dealing with issues such as conflict of interest and the acceptance of gifts. Other measures related to civil service compensation, but also to public procurement, audit and others should also be regarded as contributing to this objective.