Chapter 4
Human Resources
General provisions
4.1 The Secretary to RCEP is responsible for ensuring that the Secretariat is adequately staffed, and for managing those staff.
Status of Staff and Conditions of Service
4.2 The staff in the Secretariat are civil servants employed by the Crown working within DETR. Their terms and conditions of service will therefore be the same as those of staff in DETR in corresponding pay bands and DETR will exercise personnel functions in relation to them. Staff remain in, and new recruits will join, the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme, unless they opt not to do so. Staff in the Secretariat have the same eligibility as staff on corresponding circumstances in DETR to transfer and be promoted within DETR, its Executive Agencies or other government Departments, where opportunities exist.
Recruitment
4.3 The Secretary to RCEP is responsible for ensuring that, within the budget available, the Secretariat is staffed to meet the Commission's needs. Where recruitment to a post is confined to DETR staff or civil servants generally, the procedures of DETR's Job Advertising Scheme will be followed. Where the Secretary decides that a post should be open to non-civil servants, the procedures for recruitment shall be in accordance with the rules and conditions promulgated by the Civil Service Commissioners and in accordance with the Civil Service Management Code. RCEP may also enter into agreements for the secondment of staff on terms agreed with their employer.
Development and Training
4.4 The Secretary to RCEP is responsible for identifying the development and training needs of all staff and for drawing up a development and training strategy designed to ensure that all staff acquire the appropriate professional, management and other skills and expertise. The Secretary to RCEP has a particular responsibility for ensuring that staff have suitable training and expertise in financial management. All staff in the Secretariat will be eligible to take part in any training course or development scheme operated by DETR for its own staff. In pursuing development and training policies the Secretariat will employ the principles set out in the Investor in People Standard.
Employee Relations
4.5 The Secretary to RCEP is responsible for good employee relations, communication and consultation within the Secretariat. S/He attaches importance to the need to make full use of the skills and talents of staff and to provide them with an opportunity to contribute to decisions affecting their jobs.
Equal Opportunities
4.6 The Secretary to RCEP is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity and treatment for all staff in the Secretariat and for promoting diversity.
Health and Safety
4.7 RCEP will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation. It will also follow DETR's Health and Safety Policy Statement. In accordance with the Health and Safety Guidance, the Secretary to RCEP is the responsible manager for health and safety and appoints a health and safety co-ordinator.
Published 26 February 2001
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