In the French administration, off-grade prefects have a special task. They do not work in a prefecture alone. Instead, the government assigns them specific missions.
Decree No. 64-805 of July 29, 1964, created this position. There is no limit to the number of off-grade prefects.
Unlike territorial prefects, these prefects do not manage a particular prefecture. They also do not receive housing or a service vehicle with a driver.
They are there for very specific missions. This goes beyond what prefectures usually do. These missions aim to ensure quality public services.
Understanding the Role of an Off-Grade Prefect
Since 1964, reforms have followed one another for off-grade prefects. In 1988, their impact on the budget was limited to 6% by decree. But this changed in 1996, with a new decree removing this rate. It also set the number of positions at 5. Three of these positions are for sub-prefects and civil administrators over 60 years old.
The 2003 decree opened new doors. It allowed agents who had worked in the field for at least three years to be appointed off-grade. Three additional positions for those over 60 were created, with a total limit of seven.
These changes show the authorities' willingness. They seek to clarify the role of off-grade prefects. And they want to give more opportunities for advancement to experienced civil servants.
What is an Off-Grade Prefect?
In 2013, the Court of Auditors stated that 30% of prefects are off-grade. It noted that out of 75 off-grade prefects, 6 have no mission. This shows that their role is sometimes broader.
For example, in 2013, the Secretary General of the Ministry of the Interior was an off-grade prefect.
Looking at the numbers, we see that in 1987, there were 44 off-grade prefects. This number increased, reaching 116 in 1999. Subsequently, in 2005, there were 69, and in 2013, 75 prefects were involved.
| Year | Number of off-grade prefects |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 44 |
| 1999 | 116 |
| 2005 | 69 |
| 2013 | 75 |
Appointment Procedure and Status
A decree of September 29, 2011, limited the available positions for government prefects to ten. Three positions are reserved for sub-prefects or civil administrators. These candidates must have three years of experience as a sub-prefect. Additionally, they must justify twenty-five years of public service.
Furthermore, the Minister of the Interior, Bernard Cazeneuve, changed the rules. He signed a decree on May 15, 2015, for prefects. This decree abolished the off-grade position. It replaced it with the title of prefect on mission.
As of February 6, 2019, nine prefects are therefore carrying out this new mission.
These changes show that the State is trying to improve the role of prefects. It is doing this to better manage the affairs of the French administration.
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