Assessment for fair selection

After appraisal of assessment models, the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) model was selected in 2006. Work began early in the project with a seminar in Maastricht to raise awareness and develop understanding of the CAF requirements.

A long-term study visit provided the opportunity to gain experience in the application of the CAF in Europe and for further research.

A training module on evaluation of administration was delivered in Shenzhen and further CAF training seminars took place in Xiamen.

The training generated considerable interest and several organizations volunteered to be part of the pilot process. As it was essential for the assessment model to fully reflect Chinese reality, the CAF has been adapted into a Chinese version.

There are now nine organizations piloting the CAF in China, and the first pilots were in Harbin and Xiamen.

The success of the pilot projects maintained the high level of interest and led to increased demand for an external assessment model similar to the CAF, which is a self-assessment model applied to internal processes.

Further research on European models identified the Common Performance Assessment (CPA), currently used in Britain, as a useful model for China. A seminar was held in Shenzhen to provide more information on the CPA and subsequently a pilot project was set up in the city last year.

Fair and transparent performance appraisal of staff is among the foremost priorities of the central government.

Currently, different methods are in use but there is the need to establish a common approach that stands up to public scrutiny. Research through study visits has been undertaken on the types of staff assessment used in Europe.

CNSA has established a resource center for quality in public administration and will make recommendations on quality models to authorities. It will play a vital role in developing a more cohesive model that can be widely adopted.

(China Daily 11/13/2007 page20)