Minutes Deputy Governor and Chief Officers’ Meeting 24th September 2012 Attendees:-Deputy Governor; Mr. Kevin McCormac Ms. Jacqueline Wilson; Ms. Dorine Whittaker; Mr. Eric Bush; Dr. Dax Basdeo; Mrs. Sonia McLaughlin; Mrs. Mary Rodrigues; Mr. Stran Bodden; Mrs. Gloria McField-Nixon; Mr. Orrett Connor; Mrs. Leyda Nicholson-Makasare Apologies: - Mr. Kenneth Jefferson; Mr. Leonard Dilbert; Ms. Jennifer Ahearn; Ms. Cheryl Richards; Mr. Alan Jones 1. Welcome The Deputy Governor welcomed everyone and prayer was offered. 2. Formal Approval of Minutes The September 17 meeting minutes were approved by all attendees for circulation. 3. Matters Arising from Minutes There was a meeting held in regards to the internal PSML Review which had been conducted in 2008 by a subcommittee of Chief Officers and which had been circulated earlier this year. In February/March, the PoCS examined the Review and assessed that of the 53 recommendations contained in the report, some 18 recommendations are complete or in progress, 16 recommendations are not agreed, 14 require further clarification and 9 recommendations are otherwise facilitated through other provisions in the Law. CO McField-Nixon advised that this assessment had been conducted prior to her return and that she would revisit the report to update the work plan. It was agreed that a follow up meeting would be held to go through the remaining items in detail. Centralization of fleet – there will be follow up done with Departments that are able to assist. 4. Policy Training Further to a meeting with Mr. Robert Lewis, Director of the Policy Coordination Unit and Mr. Jason Webster of the unit, the Deputy Governor suggested that a workshop on policy development would be very beneficial to all senior Civil Servants, especially those involved in policy development. He acknowledged that Mr. Lewis had already made presentations to some Departments. The Deputy Governor will circulate additional information for CO’s consideration. 5. Performance Agreements for Chief Officers The Deputy Governor advised that he has completed four Performance Agreements and hoped to have all completed by the end of the week. It was noted that commitments set 1
out in the Crime Reduction Strategy and the Review of the Public Service are being included in CO’s Performance Agreements. 6. Year to date Budget on HR Costs The PoCS is compiling detailed monthly analysis of key HR data across the civil service at the Ministry/Portfolio level and will flag negative variances against the 2012/13 Budget. The report monitors compliance in respect to headcount and HR-related expenditures. CO McField-Nixon said that Chief Officers would receive this report on a monthly basis and going forward would be given an opportunity to comment upon variances. The Deputy Governor thanked the PoCS for their hard work and acknowledged this was a welcomed management tool. 7. Employee Suggestion and Reward Programme It was decided that this matter would be deferred, for further consideration. 8. Executive Selection Committee The Chief Officers reviewed the Chief Officer’s Choice nominees and decided on the Employee of the Month, for the month of August, based on the guidelines set out within the DG Awards Programme. Further information will be announced shortly. 9. Any Other Business The comp time policy will be discussed at next week’s CO Meeting CO McLaughlin reminded CO’s to ensure that all audited accounts are tabled in the Legislative Assembly CO Rodrigues reminded CO’s of the CIFEC student intern placements. The Deputy Governor shared that his office would be accommodating at least one student. The meeting adjourned at 4:00pm.
2