Public service commission criticises near-universal ‘excellent’ ratings for civil servants

Nicosia, Cyprus. Almost every civil servant has again been rated “excellent”, with the public service commission describing the reviews as “disappointing” on Friday. Presenting the commission’s annual report, its chief, George Papageorgiou, said rising scores were undermining the purpose of appraisals.

Appraisal scores continue to rise

Papageorgiou said average review scores had increased every year since the current system began, rising from 8.7 out of 10 in 2023 to 9.01 in 2024 and 9.12 last year.

“Gradually, steadily, over time, we are returning to the previous phenomenon where everyone was assessed as excellent in every respect,” he said.

He said reviews should distinguish between those who perform well and those who do not. He blamed departmental heads and permanent secretaries for the trend, saying they must award more “realistic marks”.

Promotion system changes outcomes

The reviews operate alongside a substantially changed promotion system. Around 70 per cent of interdepartmental promotions now go to civil servants who would have been passed over under the previous seniority rules.

Papageorgiou said candidates could now secure posts on ability, regardless of their length of service.

Staff with varying levels of experience scored highly at assessment centres, while only 12 per cent of posts went to candidates from outside the department concerned.

Regular monitoring needed

Papageorgiou stressed that the system must be monitored regularly to identify any weaknesses.

The assessment centres, selected through a tender, were used in full for the first time last year.