Step 3: Merit commissioner staffing review

Overview of staffing review by the merit commissioner

If you still have concerns after completing an inquiry by the deputy minister, you may be eligible to request a staffing review by the merit commissioner. This is the final step in the staffing review process.

The merit commissioner (or their designate) will review how the appointment decision was made. This includes reviewing relevant information and documentation from the competition process.

Requirements for staffing review by the merit commissioner

To request a review, you must:

• Meet the eligibility requirements
• Be applying for a bargaining unit position (e.g., BCGEU, BCNU, PEA)
  • Excluded positions are not eligible for a merit commissioner staffing review. For these positions, the process ends after step 2
• Have requested and received feedback (step 1)
• Have requested and received the results of a deputy minister inquiry (step 2)

Your request must be:

• Submitted within 5 calendar days of receiving the results of the deputy minister inquiry
  • Day 1 is the day after you receive the internal inquiry results
• Submitted in writing to merit@gov.bc.ca
• Based on the same concerns (grounds) raised during the deputy minister inquiry

Your request should include:

• Your contact information
  • Name
  • Employee ID
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
• Details about the competition
  • Requisition number
  • Position title and classification
  • Position location
  • Name of the hiring manager
• Your reasons for the request
  • A clear explanation of why you believe the merit principle was not applied as per section 8 of the BC Public Service Act
  • The explanation should clearly and comprehensively outline the reason(s) why you believe that the appointment in question was not based on the principle of merit or was not the result of a process designed to appraise the knowledge, skills and abilities of eligible applicant
  • Reminder: The explanation must be based on the same concerns (grounds) raised during the deputy minister inquiry

After the review, the merit commissioner may:

• Support the appointment decision, or
• Direct that the appointment decision be reconsidered

Timeline for staffing review by the merit commissioner

Timelines may vary depending on the complexity of the request. Most reviews are completed within approximately 30 calendar days of receiving a complete submission. If additional information is needed, timelines may be extended.

Withdrawing your request for staffing review by the merit commissioner

You can withdraw your request at any time by notifying the merit commissioner in writing. Once withdrawn, the review will be closed.