The UK Government is set to overhaul civil service recruitment by scrapping the long-standing “success profiles” system and replacing it with a new approach focused on skills and expertise.
According to PoliticsHome, Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo has informed staff that the reforms are intended to modernise recruitment, bring the civil service closer to private sector hiring practices and attract a broader pool of talent.
The current recruitment framework assesses applicants using “success profiles”, which include ability, technical skills, behaviours, strengths and experience. Candidates are also measured against a set of defined behaviours considered essential for success in civil service roles.
In an email to staff, Romeo said: “We are going to start by scrapping success profiles, instead introducing a new model that emphasises skills and expertise – and will make further changes over the coming months.”
She added: “To deliver for the public, my focus – and that of your Permanent Secretaries – has been to build a world-class civil service that is fit for the future.”
Romeo also referred to the ongoing review into the organisation, performance and transformation of the civil service.
“The review will define a clear vision for the civil service as a world-class organisation, delivering a once-in-a-generation transformation,” she said.
Appointed Cabinet Secretary in February, Romeo became the first woman to hold the UK’s most senior civil service role. She succeeded Sir Chris Wormald, who was awarded a peerage by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this week.
The existing recruitment system has faced criticism in recent years over concerns that it is too rigid and discourages experienced professionals from outside the public sector from applying for government roles.
The Institute for Government has previously recommended replacing success profiles with a system that more effectively assesses applicants’ practical skills and capabilities.
A Cabinet Office source told PoliticsHome: “Becoming a world-class civil service means hiring and promoting brilliant people all over the country.”
The source added: “[Romeo] thinks that the current recruitment rules, including success profiles, are often too limiting and don’t attract the best talent from the private sector and around the country. We are developing a new model that emphasises skills and expertise to help recruit the best talent to the right roles.”