In war conditions, it is extremely important not to allow the “blockage” of the state apparatus/”Joint Action Center”
Recently I talked with a colleague – the head of the central executive authority. They talked about how to carry out structural optimization and maintain the efficiency of the department. Read more in the exclusive blog for Channel 24 website.
Why exceptions to the rules are evil
She suggested using the functional audit methodology developed by the National Agency for Civil Service.
It allows each government body to identify critical functions and resources to ensure them. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully optimize the organizational structure and determine the current staffing.
But the colleague was also interested in the possibility of retaining several personnel positions in the department, which could turn out to be irrelevant as a result of the audit. That is, the probability of exceptions to the mandatory rules. After my reservation that such actions would have signs of “looting” in the public service, the topic was curtailed.
Undoubtedly, the relevance of optimizing and restarting the public service is growing. War is an irritant of extraordinary weight. Its challenges require systemic vision and tough decisions. First of all, about revising the functionality of the civil service and abandoning many established realities.
I will give an eloquent example. NAGS experts analyzed the structure and functionality of state bodies and found out the necessary transformation. For example, in Ukraine there is a central executive body with a staff of 73 people. The actual number abroad is 29 civil servants, of which 12 are involved in wartime. I am sure it makes sense to reconsider the status of this central government body as a separate government body in favor of a department of the relevant ministry.
Audit for savings
Of course, the finalization of such decisions will become possible after a functional audit. That is why I recommend colleagues to use this methodology. A global revision of the managerial and financial resources of state institutions will strengthen the efficiency of the state apparatus and save budget costs.
To remove any reservations, the NAGS started with itself. We tested the audit in the Agency and our territorial bodies. Determined the relevance of the functions of structural units. Prepared proposals for a new staffing table. By the way, we found out that it is the Agency that should provide the function of working out the issues of functional audit. We are preparing relevant legal innovations.
Survival in war conditions
The public service can be compared to the vascular system. Free vessels allow the body to breathe freely. But the accumulated toxins deplete the body. I dare say that the military shock has purged our state “vessels”. In the first days of aggression, the country retained the courage of the military and the professionalism of public servants. All this time, the country has been providing critical services, paying salaries and pensions. Basically, this is the merit of all public authorities.
But now it is important to maintain the further stability of the state. After all, war also exhausts public servants. We are losing thousands of qualified personnel who are forced to flee in other regions or countries.
The Agency determined that since the beginning of the year the number of civil servants has decreased by 6,000 people. Most left with the start of the war. Unfortunately, this negative trend will continue. Since almost 9.5 thousand women civil servants, saving children, went abroad. There is a risk that many will not return to Ukraine in the near future.
A very painful issue is the presence of our colleagues in the temporarily occupied territories, as well as in the areas of hostilities. According to the NAGS, there are approximately 5.4 thousand civil servants. They perform their duties on a regular basis or remotely.
There are also tragic statistics. 39 of our colleagues were killed, 56 were injured, 141 were missing. I note that the statistics are calculated according to the available data. But we do not have comprehensive information. So the situation is actually even more critical.
I am sure that the enemy deliberately directs the spearhead of repression against public servants in the field. They understand their weight and influence on the inhabitants of the occupied communities. It is from here that the sad statistics about the dead, wounded and missing colleagues.
The core must remain the core
I would like to note that the percentage of civil servants who deviate from their oath is at the level of error. This confirms my daily communication with our colleagues from the temporarily occupied communities.
Let me tell you a story from my life. The invaders tried to convince our colleague to become their “Gauleiter”. After her hard “no”, they appointed a footballer as a collaborator.
All these risks make us focus on qualitative changes that will preserve the professional core of the civil service. After all, high-quality personnel is the potential for the renewal of the country. I see the systematic introduction of functional audit in all public authorities as the first step towards this goal.
In the future, recommendations for optimization will be determined. In conclusion, there will be little left: to honestly and fundamentally bring it to life. So that society does not feel the taste of “looting” in the public service. The NAGS knows how to achieve this, and we are ready to give all colleagues friendly advice.
