As part of efforts to attract talent, carried out in partnership with the country's universities, the Spanish civil service is launching a consultation to rethink the recruitment process and in particular the organisation of competitive examinations (the primary recruitment method). Even though there are still many candidates, it is clear that the exams are still far too academic and attract fewer and fewer young people.

A sweeping overhaul of training is underway with a view to providing civil servants with the skills and knowledge that will enable the administration to develop its internal expertise in order to be less dependent on external consultants, the cost of which is considered too high in relation to the services provided. A common core curriculum, followed by sector-based specialisations will replace the current heterogeneous ministerial offers.

Similar to what has already been achieved in Singapore, Australia has developed a new wage policy. The 2 per cent annual increase limit has been removed to allow wages to grow in line with (but not exceed) the private sector. The measure was justified by the need to be able to correct existing discrepancies for occupations facing labour shortages, but also to encourage mixed career paths.