ABSTRACT
Since 1989, many government laboratories have become agencies and others were contemplating the possibility of such a move. Under the direction of an accountable Chief Executive, agencies operate within targets set by the parent Department. GRL is one of three research sites under the umbrella of the same Government Department. Although most participants had envisaged a life-long career with the organisation when they joined, few were certain that they would remain at GRL until the end of their careers. In some departments at GRL, interim performance appraisals took place quarterly or half-yearly but the annual review was regarded by many line managers as the appropriate forum to examine future career needs. All the Government Laboratories in the study articulated a high degree of commitment to equal opportunities as part of the Government impetus to be a ‘model employer’. A wide range of flexible working options was available to facilitate the combination of work with family commitments.
