About Us

Without prejudice to the general purpose of the Local Government Staff Commission (the Commission), the main functional areas are outlined in Section 40, sub-section 4, paragraph (a) – (f) of the Local Government Act as follows:-

(a) Advisory Appointment Panels

Establishing, in such manner as the Commission thinks fit, bodies (to be known as “advisory appointment panels”) for the purpose of giving advice to Councils and the NIHE on the suitability of applicants for appointment to the office of Clerk and to other offices for which qualifications are prescribed under Section 41 (including the making of a selection of persons who may be treated as eligible for such appointments).

(b) Code on Recruitment and Selection

Establishing a Code of Procedure for securing fair and equal considerations of applications to Councils and the NIHE by persons seeking to be employed by them as officers, and fair and equal treatment of persons who are so employed. 

(c) Human Resource Planning

Assessing the probable future requirements of Councils and the NIHE for the recruitment of officers and securing publicity for the opportunities that are available to persons who may seek employment as such officers.

(d) Promoting Co-operation

Promoting co-operation between Councils, the NIHE, public bodies, government departments and educational institutions in matters connected with the recruitment, training and terms and conditions of employment of officers and promoting the temporary transfer of officers (with their consent) in pursuance of arrangements made between Councils or between Councils and any such bodies, departments or institutions.

(e) Training

Promoting or assisting the development of, or providing, facilities for the training of officers.

(f) Employee Relations

Promoting or assisting the establishment of, or establishing, procedures for the negotiation between Councils and the NIHE and officers of Councils or the NIHE, or associations representing either of them, of standard rates of remuneration, or other terms and conditions of employment, for officers of Councils and the NIHE and recommending the adoption by Councils and the NIHE of rates, terms and conditions so negotiated.

Recommending Powers

The Commission has the power to make recommendations to Councils and the NIHE on matters related to its functions.  Such recommendations are to be implemented as directed by the Commission.  The legislations provides for an appeal to the Department if it is felt that the Commission’s recommendation is unreasonable.  This “appeal” is detailed in paragraph (5) of Section (40) of the Local Government Act as follows:
Appeal Arrangements – “Where the Commission makes a recommendation to a Council and the Council does not comply with the recommendation within such reasonable period as the Commission requires, the Ministry, after consulting with the Council and considering any representations made by it, may give to the Council any directions that the Ministry considers necessary or expedient for the implementation of the recommendations and the Council shall comply with any such direction within a period of one month or such longer period as the Ministry may allow”.

Clarification of Functions

There is no formal mechanism for the clarification of Commission functions and it is a matter for the Commission to seek independent legal advice if it is concerned about the extent of its powers in any functional area.