Theory question 105
Civil ServiceSection A (answer four questions in all, two from each section)
(a) Identify the characteristics of the Civil Service
(b) Why is it important for the Civil Service to be politically neutral?
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(a) Permanence: civil servants stay while governments change
Political neutrality / impartiality
Anonymity: civil servants are not publicly blamed or praised for policies
Hierarchy: organised in grades with chain of command
Recruitment and promotion on merit
Expertise and professionalism
Bureaucracy: rules, records and procedures
Security of tenure; pension
(b) Ensures loyal service to any government in power
Gives objective, unbiased advice to ministers
Maintains continuity and stability when governments change
Protects civil servants from victimisation and job loss when parties change
Builds public confidence that services are delivered fairly to all
Reduces corruption and partisanship in administration
Answer both parts; (b) needs reasons, not just a definition.