Chief Executive Carrie Lam today received the Report on the Grade Structure Review for the Disciplined Services and said the Government aims to seek approval of the revised grade structures by the Legislative Council within this legislative year.

The review was conducted by the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries & Conditions of Service, and the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries & Conditions of Service.

In a statement, Mrs Lam said she announced in the 2018 Policy Address that a grade structure review would be carried out to ensure that the grade structures and remuneration of the disciplined services are effective in attracting and retaining talent.

Upon the Government’s invitation, the two standing committees conducted a thorough review of matters concerning the disciplined services, including their job nature, operating environment and challenges, as well as their recruitment and retention situation and career progression.

Mrs Lam thanked both committees for their effort in completing the review.

The Chief Executive said she has instructed the Civil Service Bureau to consult relevant stakeholders and examine the review findings and recommendations as soon as possible, with an aim of seeking approval of the revised grade structures by the Legislative Council within this legislative year.

She also pointed out that the committees had taken note of concerns expressed by the staff side on matters that went beyond grade structure issues. They have also addressed those matters in the report for consideration by the Government.

Mrs Lam said she would invite relevant bureaus or departments to consider those concerns separately to come up with a government response.

The Civil Service Bureau noted that more than 1,380 submissions were received from members of the public regarding the review.

It said the Government will submit as soon as possible its recommendations on the way forward to the Chief Executive-in-Council for a final decision, aiming to table the final recommendations for LegCo approval within the council's current term.