Update on Positions Over People: An investigation into delays in the administration of civilian classification at the Department of National Defence

Message from the Ombudsman | 18 February 2019

In October 2018, the Office of the Ombudsman published a systemic report concerning delays in the administration of civilian classification at the Department of National Defence (DND). The report made 13 recommendations intended to bring positive change to all civilian employees at DND.

Today I am providing you with an update on progress made since the release of this investigation. I am happy to report that the Department’s response to our recommendations has been positive – they have expressed a strong interest in making improvements in the areas identified in our report.

In December 2018, the Department released an action plan which responds to our report’s recommendations. Subsequently, the Office and the Directorate of Civilian Classification and Organization held a collaborative meeting, during which we offered to help promote new initiatives stemming from departmental efforts in this area.

In January 2019, the Directorate of Civilian Classification and Organization announced that it has released its first quarterly report on Classification Grievances to civilian employees at DND.

The Office will continue to closely monitor the progress of these initiatives. I look forward to ongoing collaboration with DND in their improvement of the civilian classification program.

Gregory A. Lick
Ombudsman