In my Department, for vacancies that are filled through inward secondments, we adhere to the Government guidelines on fair and open competition and ensure that opportunities and the selection process do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age and sexual orientation.
Occasionally the Department makes contact with or is approached by key delivery partners in the suggestion of identifying staff who can enter DIUS on secondment for a temporary period to assist with a specific specialist piece of work. This is only in cases where we are not able to secure the services and skills of employees within the Department. In these cases specific identified staff are appointed. In all cases appointments are temporary and these do not become permanent civil servants.