26 Constitution and Administration
services for the public sector to identify, secure support for and implement public sector reform measures.
The unit operates the 1823 Call Centre, which provides a round-the-clock one- stop service to answer enquiries for 21 departments and receive complaints about any area of government services. During the year, the unit revamped the 1823 Online website. The aim was to present public information in a more easily accessible and understandable format and make it easier for citizens to submit information or pictures so that departments can identify and act on issues of public concern more quickly. The unit also operates a 'Youth Portal' (www.youth.gov.hk) which provides a multi-media platform for young people to access government information and services easily. During the year, the portal extended its presence in popular social media platforms and launched mobile applications for users to access content when and where they want.
The Civil Service
The civil service is responsible to the Chief Executive and supports the Government in formulating, explaining and implementing policies, conducting administrative affairs, delivering public services, and undertaking law enforcement and regulatory functions.
The civil service is a permanent, honest, meritocratic, professional and politically neutral institution. It employs about 4 per cent of Hong Kong's labour force. It provides staff for all government departments and other units of the Administration. As at December 31, 2011, the total strength of the civil service was 158 500 (excluding about 1 500 judges and judicial officers and Independent Commission Against Corruption officers).
Overall policy responsibility for the management of the civil service lies with the Civil Service Bureau of the Government Secretariat. The bureau's remit includes making policies on appointments, pay and conditions of service, staff management, manpower planning, training and development, conduct and discipline and use of official languages in the civil service. The bureau is also the focal point for consultation with major staff associations. It takes care of the management of Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, Official Languages Officer, Training Officer, Simultaneous Interpreter, Calligraphist as well as the clerical and secretarial grades staff. Management of the civil service is governed mainly by three important instruments: the Public Service (Administration) Order, the Public Service (Disciplinary) Regulation and the Civil Service Regulations, all made with the authority of the Chief Executive.
The Public Service Commission is an independent statutory body set up under the Public Service Commission Ordinance. Its fundamental role is to advise the Chief Executive on appointments, promotions and discipline in the civil service. The Government is also advised on civil service pay and conditions of service by three independent bodies. These independent bodies are the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service (directorate officers excluding judges and judicial officers and the disciplined services, but including the heads of the
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