CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
Meanwhile, the government is developing its use of manpower planning techniques and practices, to ensure that the Public Service possesses the right mix of officers in terms of numbers, experience, qualifications and skills to achieve its objectives and goals.
Particular care and attention are paid to the selection and grooming of senior government officials.
Public Sector Reform
Public sector reform is a programme of financial and management reforms, aimed at bringing about long-term improvements to the efficiency and management of the public sector, and better service and accountability to the community. The Efficiency Unit was established to serve as a focal point to direct and co-ordinate the efforts of public sector reform.
The government is committed to providing the best service possible to the public. In October 1992, the Governor launched the performance pledge programme, to help engender a culture of service in the public sector. The majority of government departments directly serving the public have already produced performance pledges, informing their customers what services are available, what standards have been set and how those standards are being monitored. Customer liaison groups are in place in some 12 departments under the programme. Some 20 departments are also involving their customers through advisory groups and users' committees. These groups are an important forum to channel customer input on the services provided. The performance pledge programme will be a permanent feature of the public sector. The government will continue to build on the message of serving the community within the Public Service.
In 1993, the government embarked on a practical programme of public sector reform which sees the Civil Service Branch and Finance Branch concentrating more on their strategic roles; and policy branches and departments being given more responsibility over the way in which they manage their activities. This gives the necessary authority to those responsible for the delivery of programmes to do so in the most effective way, channelling available resources to priority activities. Departments now have greater authority in matters such as non-directorate appointments and promotions, leave and passage, and professional training.
The government also introduced a system of programme management, which divides a department's work into its major activities, for monitoring and review purposes. This has placed more emphasis on performance measurement, quality of service, value for money and, not least, accountability. The government has also adopted a more business-like approach to the delivery of services. This has seen an increase in the use of new technology, including office automation, desktop publishing and automated telephone answering systems.
Civil Service Training
The government attaches great importance to the training of civil servants in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness, and to help them meet new challenges. Induction and refresher training is provided by many departments to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to carry out their duties effectively. Where the need arises, staff are also sponsored on overseas training courses or attachments, so that they can keep abreast of the latest developments in their specialised fields.
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