First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko participated in the Forum "HR of the Future: New Approaches to People Management." Discussions centered on restoring merit-based civil service recruitment, enhancing professional development for civil servants, and attracting new talent to public sector institutions.
Oleksandr Korniyenko recalled that the Verkhovna Rada has already passed the law on restoring merit-based civil service selection, which has been submitted to the President of Ukraine for signature. The next stage is its practical implementation.
"It is essential to remember why we are reinstating competitive selection: to be able to choose qualified personnel, strengthen teams, and unlock opportunities for professional growth," stressed the First Deputy Speaker.
Oleksandr Korniyenko paid special attention to the integration of male and female veterans into the civil service. The enacted law establishes a preferential right for them under equal conditions of competitive selection.
According to him, the results of a survey conducted among veterans and active-duty service members showed that nearly 15% of respondents would like to transition into managerial roles. Command experience gained during military service can prove valuable for state authorities, particularly at the level of heads of units. Therefore, it is vital to inform veterans about such opportunities and encourage them to join the civil service.
"For those who defended the Motherland and are ready to continue serving it in civilian life, this is also a matter of justice," noted Oleksandr Korniyenko.
Another key focus of the discussion was the rethinking of the professional training system for civil servants based on the "money follows the employee" principle.
The First Deputy Speaker expressed his conviction that training must address the needs of the employee, their specific position, and the state authority, fostering the development of essential competencies and career advancement. Professional development opportunities serve as a crucial factor in attracting and retaining talent within the civil service.
The forum also addressed the search for optimal operational models for state bodies. Oleksandr Korniyenko stressed that optimization must ensure the retention of resources within the system, enabling them to be directed toward fair remuneration and employee motivation.
Additionally, the First Deputy Speaker called for more active engagement of youth in the civil service, particularly through cooperation with youth councils and advisory bodies, whose members already demonstrate a strong interest in public administration.
According to him, internships and the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the inner workings of state institutions can serve as the launching pad for young people’s professional careers in the civil service.