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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Civil Servant and Public Servant?

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The terms "civil servant" and "public servant" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Here are the main differences between the two:

  • Civil Servant: A civil servant is a person employed in the public sector by a government department or agency for public sector undertakings. They work for central and state governments and answer to the government, not a political party. Civil servants are part of the civil service, which is a collective term for a sector of government composed mainly of career civil servants whose institutional tenure typically survives transitions of political leadership. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, civil servants are only referred to as those working for the central government (Crown employees) and not local government employees.
  • Public Servant: A public servant is a broader term that encompasses all individuals employed by government-funded organizations, including civil servants, as well as employees in public services such as education, healthcare, and the police. Public servants are appointed by a member of the government to serve the population and perform public duties. The public service covers a much broader range of professions that are paid for by the state, including many teachers, doctors, and other professionals.

In summary, all civil servants are public servants, but not all public servants are civil servants. Civil servants work directly for the government and are part of the civil service, while public servants work in various government-funded organizations and perform public duties.

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  • What is the Difference Between Civil Servant and Public Servant?
  • Comparative Table: Civil Servant vs Public Servant

    • Comparative Table: Civil Servant vs Public Servant

    The main difference between a civil servant and a public servant lies in the organizations they work for and the nature of their responsibilities. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two:

    Feature Civil Servant Public Servant
    Definition A civil servant is a professional bureaucrat employed by the government to work in government departments, ministries, and agencies, ensuring the implementation of government policies and delivering public services. A public servant is a professional employed in the wider public sector, including local authorities and public corporations, providing essential services to the public directly.
    Organizations Civil servants work for government departments, ministries, and agencies. Public servants work in various organizations within the public sector, such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, local authorities, and public corporations.
    Responsibilities Civil servants are responsible for creating, implementing, and managing policies and ensuring that public services are delivered effectively. Public servants are responsible for providing essential services to the public directly, such as education, healthcare, and social services.
    Examples Civil servants can include government bureaucrats, policy analysts, and regulatory officers. Public servants can include teachers, police officers, doctors in public hospitals, and social workers.

    While both civil and public servants share a common goal of serving the public, their roles and responsibilities differ based on the organizations they work for and the nature of their tasks.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.