CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
addition, individual members of the public service or staff associations have ready access to the departmental or grade management, as well as to the Civil Service Branch. Staff are also encouraged to make suggestions to improve the efficiency of the service under the Staff Suggestion Scheme.
In recognition of staff commitment and contributions, long serving civil servants are granted awards under the Long Service Travel Award Scheme and the Long and Meritorious Service Certificate Scheme. Those with 30 years of meritorious service are also presented with a gold pin. A retirement souvenir was also introduced recently for civil servants who have had 20 or more years of service on retirement.
Continued efforts were made in 1992 to improve productivity and the quality of management. Further value-for-money studies and work improvement studies were carried out in various departments. At the same time, departments were given greater control in more aspects of financial and personnel management. They now have greater authority in matters such as non-directorate appointments and promotions, leave and passage, and professional training. Possibilities of further devolution are being examined on a continuing basis. Reforms in the way public services are delivered continued under the Public Sector Reform initiatives. Public Sector Reform aims to bring about long-term productivity improvements in the public service and better services to the community. The application of modern information technology and office automation were also effective means of achieving high efficiency and productivity. These efforts brought about not only improvements in the quality of service but also significant savings in resources.
The quality of service is maintained by way of a disciplinary code which applies to all public servants. It provides sanctions against misconduct and sub-standard performance where other staff management measures fail, while safeguarding the interests and rights of individual public servants. A major initiative was launched by the Governor in his Policy Address to improve the quality of service further by engendering a culture of public service which treats clients as customers.
The government is developing its use of manpower planning techniques and practices in order to ensure that the public service possesses the right mix of officers in terms of numbers, experience, qualifications and skills to achieve its objectives and goals. Particular care and attention are paid to the selection and grooming of senior government officials.
Civil Service Training
The government attaches great importance to the training of public servants in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness and to help them meet new challenges. Induction and refresher training is provided by many departments to equip staff with the skills to carry out their duties effectively. Where the need arises, staff are also sponsored on overseas training courses or attachments so that they can keep abreast of the latest developments in their specialised fields. To meet common departmental needs, the Civil Service Training Centre conducts a wide range of management, language and computer courses, and co-ordinates the management training undertaken by public servants at local and overseas institutes. As the central training agency, it also provides advice and assistance to departments.
The government has introduced a China Studies Programme which aims to provide officers with a better understanding of various aspects of life and government in China. It includes seminars and talks for officers at various levels. Familiarisation visits to China are
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