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design practical solutions, develop compelling business cases, and secure effective implementation.
The unit has played a major role in many important reform initiatives: the creation of trading funds; the design and implementation of an integrated call centre; and supporting the introduction of public-private partnership initiatives. All the work of the unit is focused on enhancing the quality of public service delivery at the same time as seeking greater efficiency in the use of limited public resources through the adoption of new technology and harnessing the innovation and resources of the private sector.
Sustainable Development Unit
The Sustainable Development Unit, established under the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office, promotes sustainable development in both the Government and the community, and provides secretariat support to the Council for Sustainable Development.
The council was appointed by the Chief Executive in March 2003 to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong. The council launched an engagement exercise in 2004, with a view to engaging the community in the formulation of a Sustainable Development Strategy for Hong Kong. An invitation and response document, Sustainable Development Making Choices for Our Future, was issued in July 2004 for a four-month public consultation. The council plans to submit its recommendations on the way forward for sustainable policies for Hong Kong in
2005.
One of the unit's major tasks is to implement a sustainability assessment system within the Government to facilitate the integration of sustainability considerations in the decision-making process. All bureaux and departments are required to conduct sustainability assessments of their major initiatives and programmes, and explain the sustainability implications in their submissions to the Executive Council.
The unit also provides secretariat support to the Sustainable Development Fund.
The Civil Service
The Civil Service employs about 4.5 per cent of Hong Kong's labour force. It provides staff for all government departments and other units of the Administration. At December 31, the total strength of the Civil Service was 158 400 (excluding about 1 500 ICAC and judicial officers).
Overall policy responsibility for the management of the Civil Service lies with the Civil Service Bureau of the Government Secretariat. It includes policies on appointments, pay and conditions of service, staff management, manpower planning, training and discipline. The bureau is also the focal point for consultation with major staff associations and its General Grades Office manages the 25 700 executive, clerical and secretarial staff. Management of the Civil Service is governed mainly by three important instruments: the Public Service (Administration) Order, the Public
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