European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has welcomed the commitment by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) to handle more efficiently candidates’ requests for review in the context of EU civil service selection procedures.

EPSO said it is working on a new platform which will sort review requests into different categories – such as those concerning test results or eligibility - so they can be treated more quickly.

The measure follows an inquiry by the Ombudswoman which revealed issues with EPSO’s standard replies to requests for review.

The inquiry concerned requests for review from a candidate who was unsuccessful in two procedures. The Ombudswoman found that there were inconsistencies in the replies the person received from EPSO and that it was unclear whether EPSO had reviewed its initial decisions.

As part of its improved measures, EPSO committed to make clear on its website that if a person wants to challenge a decision by the selection board, they should provide evidence to support their claims. EPSO will also ensure that candidates receive clear information on whether their performance has been reviewed by the board and an explanation if it has not been reviewed.

The Ombudsman Office has conducted a series of inquiries related to EPSO and has consistently reiterated that it has a duty to provide candidates with clear, accurate and complete information in the context of selection procedures it organises. This also applies to requests for review, which is the redress mechanism available to candidates to challenge a decision taken by the selection board.

The Ombudswoman will continue monitoring the implementation of these proposed new measures by EPSO on a case-by-case basis.