Audit of Organization and Classification

On this page

• Context
• Audit objective and scope
• Audit finding themes
• Key takeaways

Context

Organization and Classification (Org and Class) is a discipline that consists of processes for organizing work, creating organizational structures, developing job descriptions, and evaluating jobs to create positions to perform the work required to achieve the organization’s mandate and objectives.

Within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Org and Class Program is responsible for the management and oversight of Org and Class activities for all employee categories. In support of modernization, the program is currently undergoing realignment with a goal of operating more efficiently in the current work environment and better supporting evolving organizational needs.

Sound internal controls are needed to support Org and Class practices that result in decisions made in accordance with policy, and that are delivered in a consistent and timely manner for all categories of employees across the organization.

Audit objective and scope

The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the RCMP’s Org and Class processes, including policies, procedures and practices to determine if they enable effective decision making, oversight and accountability.

The scope period was from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024. The audit examined Org and Class actions at the executive and non-executive levels for all categories of employees, excluding Special Constable positions.

Audit finding themes

The audit findings can be grouped into three themes:

1. Governance and oversight
2. Compliance with Org and Class requirements
3. Support of RCMP objectives and organizational needs

Key takeaways

• Governance and oversight are in place for the delivery of Org and Class services, but opportunities exist to create a single Centre of Expertise to provide services for executive and non-executive positions. A department-wide service delivery model can standardize processes to improve efficiency and consistency, foster development of employee expertise, and lead to better client service.
• Although controls and training are in place to support compliance with Org and Class policy requirements, procedures are not being consistently followed. There are opportunities to establish a monitoring framework with oversight mechanisms to ensure adherence to delegated authorities and maintaining appropriate file documentation. Ongoing monitoring serves to detect recurring issues, identify where further training is required, and minimize the risk of inconsistent decisions across the RCMP.
• The decision records documenting the classification of a position in the human resources information system are not accurately maintained. Opportunities exist to ensure data is entered accurately and that classification decisions are appropriately applied to positions.
• Education materials are available for managers, but opportunities exist to provide additional support to managers. Providing appropriate information and guidance will help managers understand their Org and Class responsibilities, improve client satisfaction, and help managers create organizational structures that support the achievement of business objectives.
• The development of service standards would clarify expectations for managers and ensure a consistent and reliable experience across the RCMP. Clear expectations can result in greater confidence in the process and enhance client satisfaction. Service standards also facilitate streamlining and standardizing processes for greater efficiency.