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Last updated: 10/01/2008

About the Civil Service

Civil Service governance

The two key governing bodies for the Civil Service are the Permanent Secretaries Management Group (PSMG) and the Civil Service Steering Board (CSSB), both chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. The two groups work together to ensure the Civil Service as a whole has a clear direction and is a coherent, effective organisation.

PSMG meets once every quarter to consider issues of strategic importance to the Civil Service, however issues may be taken for information, comment or decision in correspondence.

CSSB was established in 2007 and meets monthly. The group focuses on specific areas delegated to it by PSMG:

  • CS risk management, including quality assurance at departmental level and mitigation strategies for cross-departmental risks;
  • Developing a strategy for improving (and defending) reputation of the CS;
  • Ensuring CS has capacity to deliver cross-cutting PSAs
  • Deciding what type of employer the CS wants to be - what is our offer and what are our workforce needs going to be in the future?
  • Supporting departments to ensure shared services arrangements were implemented

CSSB have executive powers in these areas.

PSMG members are consulted on issues raised at CSSB and can contribute to the decision making process. PSMG colleagues also sign off the forward work programme for CSSB.

CSSB and PSMG are supported by sub-groups that focus on key areas. They may also ask members of the Top 200 community or other groups/individuals to examine specific issues.

Diagram illustrating the relationship between PSMG, CSSB and their sub-groups