Senior Civil Servants in Spain: incomplete institutionalization and keys to its consolidation

Keywords: Senior Civil Service, Senior Civil Servant, leadership development, institutionalisation of public administration

Abstract

The approval of the Basic Statute of Public Employees (2007) introduced the figure of the Senior Civil Servant as a key instrument for modernizing public the Spanish administration. “Its incorporation contributes to improving the effectiveness of government programme implementation and public service delivery, as well as enhancing democratic legitimacy. However, its effective development still depends on political will, which limits its institutional consolidation. The added value it brings to public management remains unevenly recognised. This article analyses how different Spanish public administrations have regulated and managed the Senior Civil Service, identifies the main shortcomings of the current model, and puts forward proposals aimed at strengthening its institutionalisation and professionalisation, within the administrative system.

Received: 19.05.2025
Accepted 10.06.2025

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Author Biographies

Manuel Arenilla Sáez, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid. España

Catedrático de Ciencia Política y de la Administración

Jesús Llorente Márquez, Profesor sustituto. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. España

Consultor de organización y de empleo público

Published
2025-06-25
How to Cite
Arenilla Sáez, Manuel, and Jesús Llorente Márquez. 2025. “Senior Civil Servants in Spain: Incomplete Institutionalization and Keys to Its Consolidation”. Estudios De Deusto 73 (1), 85-118. https://doi.org/10.18543/ed.3326.
Section
Studies