COVID-19 vs. continuity of the federal public service – Implementation of staff measures

The Belgian Court of Audit notes in its report to the Federal Parliament that the federal administrations did ensure the continuity of their services during the COVID-19 health crisis. Although only half of the administrations under scrutiny had a “service continuity plan”, they all set continuity objectives or identified their core activities. Among the staff measures taken at the federal level to support service continuity, the extension of teleworking and the temporary provision of personnel were of paramount importance. Despite the delays and service disruptions experienced by administrations, the continuity of public service was not significantly affected. Finally, the Court emphasises that increased digitalisation and automation of the federal administration should not prejudice the vulnerable and that a minimum number of physical contact points must be maintained.