Dear Reader,

We are pleased to present the new issue of the International Journal of Civil Service Reform and Practice, published by the Astana Civil Service Hub. This edition brings together contributions from Kazakhstan, Australia, Turkmenistan and Bangladesh, examining institutional reform, professional development and digital transformation in the civil service.

The issue opens with articles on governance and organisational capacity. Zhasulan Ibraikhanov examines the misalignment between responsibility, authority and capacity across levels of government in Kazakhstan, proposing measures to improve functional assignments, local autonomy and financing. Alua Sabalakova explores change management amid institutional transformation, drawing on practical experience in the Abai region. Kamilla Sheryazdanova, Yernur Tuyakbayev and Temirlan Zakir review international approaches to centralising support services and consider their potential to reduce duplication and improve administrative efficiency.

Adding a comparative perspective, Assel Mussagulova examines the Australian Public Service Capability Review Programme. Her analysis highlights the importance of reviewer independence, effective assessment methods and the translation of review findings into sustained improvements in organisational capability.

Several contributions focus on the development of civil servants. Aigul Seilkhan and Gylfiya Berekpolova explore how transformational leadership strengthens professional identity and supports change, including the implementation of Kazakhstan’s “Listening State” concept. Gulsara Junusbekova examines rotation and professional mobility in Kazakhstan alongside international practice, considering their role in developing competencies and leadership potential.

The discussion continues with two articles on civil service training. Ogultach Soyunova presents Turkmenistan’s national approach to training, retraining and professional development in response to changing administrative needs. Muhammad Sayadur Rahman assesses the Foundation Training Course of the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre, examining its contribution to knowledge, professionalism and shared civil service values, while identifying areas for improvement.

The issue concludes with contributions on digital transformation. Ali Sabyrzhan and Assel Boken examine the use of digital platforms and big data analytics in Kazakhstan’s civil service recruitment, highlighting opportunities to improve workforce planning, transparency and talent selection. Murad Saryev and Myahri Yalkapova address legal liability arising from the use of artificial intelligence in Turkmenistan’s civil service, considering the allocation of responsibility and measures to protect citizens’ rights.

Together, these articles offer academic and practical perspectives on strengthening public institutions and developing a professional civil service amid continuing change. We hope that readers will find this issue interesting and useful for both research and practice.

The Editorial Team