HR Audit of the scientific agencies depending upon the Belgian Department of Public Health, i.e. the Scientific Institute of Public Health (ISP-WIV) and the Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (Cerva-Coda)

The Scientific Institute of Public Health (ISP-WIV) and the Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (Cerva-Coda) are both scientific agencies. Each of them is made up of two parts : one is public and depends on the Department of Public Health, while the other has its own legal personality and carries out analyses for third parties. Both identities are intertwined, although each has its own function and abides by specific rules. This situation is reflected in the HR policy. For practical reasons, the rules and regulations happen to be construed broadly or simply ignored. The umbrella scientific institute that is yet to be created will open new opportunities for a better management. Yet, the rightful objective of creating maximum efficiency cannot move the boundaries of the “public service” principles. As a result, the Belgian Court of Audit recommends to set a framework within the future agency, which will be based on principles such as openness, transparency and objectivity related to the administrative decisions about people’s career.