Voluntary Exit Scheme

Release date:
21 April 2016

You asked

Under the Freedom of Information Act I wish to know the following:

  • How many staff in total have applied for the current VES scheme?
  • What are the grades of those who applied?
  • How many that have applied and were supported by their DD/Director's have not been progressed to the decision panel?
  • What are the grades of the staff who have not been progressed?
  • What were the reasons for non progression of those staff?
  • Can you please confirm the criteria being used to select those that are not being progressed to the current VES panel?
  • How is fairness and consistency ensured during the decision making?
  • What are the appeal processes including those outside of ONS against non selection?

We said

  1. How many staff in total have applied for the current VES scheme?

    199 applications received.

  2. What are the grades of those who applied?

    Grades AA – SCS1

  3. How many that have applied and were supported by their DD/Director's have not been progressed to the decision panel?

    15 applications have not been progressed to the decision panel.

  4. What are the grades of the staff who have not been progressed?

    Grades AO, EO, SEO, AM, RO, G7, G6

  5. What were the reasons for non progression of those staff?

    Not meeting the published ONS Voluntary Exit scheme criteria (see below).

  6. Can you please confirm the criteria being used to select those that are not being progressed to the current VES panel?

    The published ONS Voluntary Exit Scheme criteria is as follows:

    • Business continuity, productivity and service must be maintained across all business areas following approved exits
    • Retention of future priority skill capabilities in critical roles
    • Not replacing approved exits unless specifically set out and agreed as part of transformation plans to grow and refresh future capability
    • Achieving best value for money and salary payback in a maximum of two years.

  7. How is fairness and consistency ensured during the decision making?

    Stage 1: Detailed Guidance provided for Line Managers and Deputy Directors (with additional support from HR Business Partners)

    Stage 2: Quality Assurance and Pre Sift by the VES Team

    Stage 3: Selection Panel with Deputy Director representatives from each Directorate

  8. What are the appeal processes including those outside of ONS against non selection?

    The internal appeal process of non selection is only applicable where the process for selection has not been followed. ONS does not hold information regarding external appeal processes.

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