About Us | Cook Islands | Public Service Commissioner

Scope of Authority

The Public Service Commissioner’s authority extends to 14 Heads of Ministries and employees. All public servants must comply with the Act. Crown agencies and other entities are defined as State Services under the Act, and are required to comply with the remuneration framework of government, good employer principles, public service values, and code of conduct.

Provides advice to Ministers of the Crown on matters relating to the Public Service
Intermediary between Ministers of the Crown and Heads of Department in relation to functions
Develops and promotes personnel policies and standards for Heads of Departments and Public Service
Promotes and ensures compliance with the public service code of conduct and values
Provides advice on the training and career development of Public Servants
Determines salary ranges for positions in the Public Service in accordance with the remuneration system approved by Cabinet
Reviews and makes changes to the machinery of government
Instigates inquiries relating to the administration of the public service
Investigates unresolved disputes between employers and employees within the public service
Appoints Heads of Public Service Departments and negotiates conditions of employment
Issues written instructions to Heads of Departments relating to the implementation of government policies
Reviews the performance of Heads of Public Service Departments
Ensures Heads of Departments are not subject to unlawful or improper pressure from the Ministers of the Crown or members of Parliament