Write a Civil Service Commission staff report

City staff: Learn how to write a clear staff report for a Civil Service Commission hearing.

Anong gagawin

1. Write the "Background" section

In 1 or 2 paragraphs, summarize the situation and why it's been brought to the Civil Services Commission. 

Example: John W is appealing the examination announcement for the position of Painter (Job Code 7346). Specifically, Mr. W claims that it is not reasonable to require 4 years of experience for this position when only 3 were required previously. 

2. Write the "Issues" section

Briefly describe the main issues and the problem you need resolved.

Example: Is it reasonable to require that a Painter (Job Code 7346) have 4 years of experience?

3. Write the "Authority/Standards" section

Cite the relevant standard or authority. This includes:

  • A Civil Service Commission rule, the City Charter or Administrative Code, or the campaign and government code
  • Federal or state law
  • City or department policy or procedure
  • Expert advice
  • Marketplace standards 

Example: Appeal of examination announcement is governed by Rule 11 Series. In order to appeal an announcement, the appellant must file in writing with the Human Resources Director within 5 days of the issuance of an announcement stating specifically what their concern with it is. It is up to the discretion of the Human Resources Director to act or withdraw an examination announcement if they find that a criteria on the announcement is not reasonably related to the job being tested. The parties then have 5 business days to appeal the decision of the Human Resources Director to the Commission.
 

4. Write the "Findings" section

Bring together the facts of the case. 

Example:

The union contends that it is unfair to require 4 years of experience for this position, because:

  • We only required 3 years in the past
  • There is no reason for the change

The department contends that the work being performed has become more complex because of changes and upgrades in the City technology.

5. Write the "Discussion and Analysis" section

Using your findings and knowledge of the relevant authority or standards, make an analysis of the case. 

Example: 

  • The appeal is timely. The examination announcement was posted on January 2, 2022 and the appeal was filed on January 6, 2022.
  • From 1988 until 2022, the City required that employees in this classification have 3 years of experience. This requirement changed because of changes in the law, technology, and marketplace requirements. The City's requirements are job-related and necessary to maintain a safe work environment.

6. Write the "Conclusion" section

In 1 to 2 paragraphs, tie the elements of the report together. Your conclusion should set up the recommendation you make in the next section.

Example: The department has stated a valid reason for increasing the minimum qualifications in the examination announcement. Staff has conducted an investigation. The affected departments have stated a reasonable rationale for the requirement. Staff recommends that the appeal of the exam announcement be denied.

7. Write the "Recommendation" section

Clearly state the action that staff would like the Civil Service Commission to take. We'll use this section when we create the agenda.

Example: Uphold the Human Resources Director's decision and deny the appeal of John W.

Include the report with the other documents you submit

You'll also need to make copies of your report when you give us your paperwork. 

Humingi ng tulong

Civil Service Commission

25 Van Ness Avenue
Suite 720
San Francisco, CA 94102

Mon to Fri, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

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If you need to meet with us outside of business hours, call us. 

Last updated October 31, 2022