Senior civil service reform is a trend among OECD countries since 1990. The reform background and major trend are analyzed. The Examination Yuan (Taiwan, Republic of China) commissioned a project to review the selection and appointment problems of senior officials. Through a series of group discussions among scholars and practitioners on Taiwan's higher civil service, the problems of the system are explored and debated.The research team concludes that a new Senior Civil Service is a necessary institution for revitalizing the civil service. Institutional framework for a new Senior Civil Service is proposed.Keywords: senior civil service, civil service, civil service reform, performance-based pay, Examination Yuan