Public sector managers learn to apply new PSO |11 January 2011

Representatives of over 40 departments gathered at National House yesterday for the start of a two-day seminar, led by principal secretary for public administration Jessie Esparon.

Those present were able to gain more in-depth knowledge about what the new PSO contains, how to interpret it correctly and generally be well versed in it.

With capacity-building as one of the main aims of the workshop, the changes in the PSO were highlighted, especially as it has been revised to fit the context of developments in the public sector as part of the country’s continuing reforms.
 
New aspects include police clearance replacing “security clearance, and more training for staff to strengthen their skills and qualifications, which will be supported by funding in upcoming budgets. 

The new PSO has 10 chapters covering all aspects of public service, such as salaries and allowances, leave, code of conduct and discipline, human resources development, exit mechanisms, transport, travelling and accommodation, correspondence and miscellaneous issues.

Officially launched by Vice-President Danny Faure – in his capacity as Minister for Public Administration – on December 27, it has been in use since January 1.

The new PSO is aimed at helping civil servants give a more efficient service to the public; the revision was needed because since the second one was issued in 1996 several circulars, laws and changes in policy have been adopted.

Mr Faure said the changes in this third PSO will make the document a “living framework” as it is designed to allow for adjustments in the light of new developments while it is put into practice.

During yesterday’s first session everyone brought their own copy of the new PSO, printed out from discs distributed to their offices, and went over it with staff from the Department of Public Administration.

Senior members of the DPA management each took a chapter or two from the document and gave a detailed presentation on it, giving clarification where necessary.

Mrs Esparon also went over some common misconceptions about the public service. This included stating that public service posts are not supposed to be linked to any one individual, and that rotation in a department, section or government branch is perfectly normal.