ENG-2018 — Page 46

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Constitution and Administration

stakeholders, supports the senior leadership to advance Hong Kong's strategic positioning in the global economic arena, fosters the development of a vibrant public policy research community in the city and provides 'first-stop and one-stop' project consultation and coordination services to innovative projects that can bring broader benefits to the society.

The office also provides secretariat support to the Chief Executive's Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development, a high-level body that advises the Chief Executive on Hong Kong's future development and strategies for driving innovation. The council was established on 21 March to replace two advisory bodies - the Commission on Strategic Development and the Economic Development Commission.

Advisory and Statutory Bodies

About 5,800 members of the public serve on around 500 advisory and statutory bodies, which are a distinctive feature of the system of government. These bodies tap professional expertise in the community and allow a wide cross-section of the community and relevant organisations to take part in the initial stage of policymaking and public-service planning, and to perform specific functions. The government maintains a regular turnover of members to ensure broad participation and the inclusion of fresh perspectives.

Some of the advisory bodies, such as the Advisory Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, deal with the interests of a particular industry. Others, such as the Transport Advisory Committee, advise on a particular area of government policy. Statutory bodies, such as the Hospital Authority, have legal powers and responsibilities to perform specific functions according to the relevant legislation.

Civil Service

The civil service is a permanent, honest, meritocratic, professional and politically neutral institution responsible to the Chief Executive. It supports the government in formulating, explaining and implementing policies, conducting administrative affairs, delivering public services, and undertaking law enforcement and regulatory functions. As at 31 December, the total strength of the civil service was 173,700, excluding about 1,500 judges, judicial officers and ICAC officers. This amounted to 4.4 per cent of Hong Kong's labour force.

The Civil Service Bureau has overall policy responsibility for the management of the civil service, including appointments, pay and conditions of service, performance management, manpower planning, training and development, staff relations, and conduct and discipline. The bureau is also the focal point for consultation with major staff associations and manages a number of grades, including Administrative Officers, Executive Officers, Training Officers and clerical and secretarial staff. Management of the civil service is governed mainly by three 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 Chief Executive is advised on civil service appointments, promotions and discipline by the Public Service Commission, an independent statutory body set up under the Public Service Commission Ordinance. The Chief Executive is also advised on civil service pay and conditions

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