258
CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
the number of posts increased by only 3.3 per cent - from 168 298 to 173 788 - compared with the 1981-2 and 1980-1 figures of 9.7 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively. Of the 173 788 posts, 999 were at directorate level. The other 172 789 posts were made up of senior professionals (1 693), middle rank (21 686), junior supervisors (62 425), disciplined services (39 014), manual workers (46 714) and other grades, including trainees (1 257). In April, of the total strength, 166 569 posts were filled, 98 per cent with local officers.
With Hong Kong's centralised form of government, the Civil Service operates some services which in other countries would be administered by local authorities, such as hospitals, public works and utilities, urban cleansing and public health, and the police force. The departments in charge of these areas namely the Medical and Health Department, with an establishment of 20 840, the Lands and Works group of departments (22 237), the Urban Services Department (26 262) and the Royal Hong Kong Police Force (28 478) - account for 56 per cent of the establishment of the entire Civil Service.
The overall responsibility for personnel administration lies with the Civil Service Branch of the Government Secretariat. Headed by the Secretary for the Civil Service, its functions include manpower and career planning, appointments, training, discipline, pay and conditions of service, staff management and staff relations.
Since 1980, the authority to approve the creation, deletion or re-deployment of posts below directorate rank has been delegated to heads of departments who are advised by departmental establishment committees. The creation of posts at directorate level, or of new ranks or grades, continues to require the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council. Recruitment and promotions in the middle and senior ranks are subject to the advice of the Public Service Commission which is independent of the government. The commission has a full-time chairman and leading citizens are appointed as members on a voluntary basis.
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The government is advised by two independent bodies the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service, and the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service - on matters relating to the structure, pay and conditions of service of, respectively, the Civil Service directorate and non-directorate staff. Members are appointed by the Governor. During the year, the commission spent much time examining the principles underlying Civil Service remuneration, including in particular the 'total package' concept covering both pay and benefits. It completed the second report on Civil Service pay policy and started work on a review of job-related allowances in the Civil Service.
The cost of the Civil Service is reflected in the expenditure on personal emoluments. For the 1983-4 financial year this is estimated to be $8,220 million (excluding pensions), or 35 per cent of the estimated total recurrent expenditure for the year.
One of the main objectives of the government during 1983 was the promotion of service- wide efficiency and productivity. The Civil Service Branch contributed to this aim through staff selection, training and staff management, and by providing guidelines, advice and technical support to the 59 departments. Following the advice of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service, improvements have been brought to staff consultation, and to the handling of staff relations generally, with the result that the government is now in a better position to tackle productivity. During 1983, the productivity drive was directed towards the quality of service at the point of delivery to the public. Studies were conducted at 40 specially selected busy offices, seeking the views - from the public and the staff on how service could be improved. The implementation of their suggestions led to the improvement of services provided and to the efficiency of the offices.
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