The fundamental role of the Public Service Commission is to ensure that Malta retains a career Public Service with a high standard of competence, efficiency and integrity. In fulfilling its role, the Commission is guided by the principles of merit, equality of opportunity, impartiality, non-discrimination, transparency, the exclusion of patronage (political or otherwise) in the exercise of discipline, and fair and open competition in the making of appointments. The removal of employees from public office and the exercise of discipline over public officers also fall within the remit of the Public Service Commission.
Article 110 of the Constitution of Malta provides that power to make appointments to public offices and to remove persons holding or acting in any such offices lies on the Prime Minister, acting on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission. However, the same article also provides that the Prime Minister, acting on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission, may delegate in writing any of the aforementioned powers to such public officer or other authority as may be specified in the Instrument of Delegation.
Throughout the years several Instruments of Delegation have come into force, delegating certain powers to Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department. For more information about delegation of powers refer to the page Delegation of Certain Powers.
Further reference:
Directive 9 (Note: For the latest version of the Manual on the Selection and Appointment Process under Delegated Authority click on the link below)
Manual on the Selection and Appointment Process under Delegated Authority in the Malta Public Service, List of Updates on the Manual, The Selection and Appointment Process under Delegated Authority in the Malta Public Service (Presentation)
Disciplinary Procedure