What is an 'established civil servant'?

[Steve-O]

My mate (a yam fud, no less) has lost his passport over here in NZ (I did tell you he was a yam fud). He is now trying to find out how to get his form countersigned by someone he's known 2 years when clearly he hasn't known anyone here for 2 years and doesn't really want to send the stuff back to the UK either.

Now, I am a civil servant (or public servant as they call it here), and have a permanent job, however I am unsure of what an 'established civil servant' is? This is one of the people who can countersign for him.

I have tried googling but it's pretty unclear just what this 'established' bit is all about.

Help?

[Jack]

An established civil servant used to be one who is full time and passed their probation.

The signing of passports used to be HEO and above.

Not sure what the rules are now.

I’m sure a call/visit to the British Consulate would give the correct answer as to whether you would qualify or not.

[Future17]

My mate (a yam fud, no less) has lost his passport over here in NZ (I did tell you he was a yam fud). He is now trying to find out how to get his form countersigned by someone he's known 2 years when clearly he hasn't known anyone here for 2 years and doesn't really want to send the stuff back to the UK either.

Now, I am a civil servant (or public servant as they call it here), and have a permanent job, however I am unsure of what an 'established civil servant' is? This is one of the people who can countersign for him.

I have tried googling but it's pretty unclear just what this 'established' bit is all about.

Help?

Sign it. What's the worst that can happen?