What are the codes?

We are responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in our Codes of Practice. The codes also outline the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process.

The codes also set out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates when they are unhappy with a selection process. They also outline what is expected from candidates in an appointment process as well as explaining our audit function. 

Codes of Practice

We have five Codes of Practice. In most cases, appointments will be made under the Code of Practice for Appointments to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service. However, sometimes they can be made under one of the other codes.

1. Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions in the Civil Service and Public Service
2. Code of Practice for Emergency Short-Term Appointments to Positions in the Health Service Executive
3. Code of Practice for Appointment of Persons with Disabilities to Positions in the Civil Service and Certain Public Bodies
4. Code of Practice for Atypical Appointments to Positions in the Civil Service and Certain Public Bodies
5. Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions where the Garda Commissioner has Statutory Responsibilities

Find out more here on where each Code applies.

Revision of the codes

We updated our Codes of Practice in 2017, making changes mostly to the review and appeals mechanisms. The revised codes came into effect on 8 March 2017.

Any appointments advertised on or after that date come under the updated codes. If they were advertised before this, the earlier codes will apply.

Contact us for a copy of any of the earlier codes.