Recommendation 5

In our view “merit” includes having the right personality and characteristics to carry out the tasks required at a particular time. We are not convinced the Recruitment Principles need to be amended to reflect this. But it should be implicit in the preparation of a good job description and person specification. It would also help give ministers confidence that they have appointed the right person for their requirements if they have worked closely with the Civil Service Commission to ensure their priorities are reflected in the job description and pursued at interview.