A remote work policy for the Civil Service is in the works, according to the Ministry of Public Administration.
In a press release yesterday, the ministry said a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultancy for the development of the remote work policy tender notice was shared on media platforms earlier this month.
The deadline for submissions is May 31.
According to Public Administration Minister Allyson West, the intent is to develop an inclusive policy with fair and progressive guidelines.
She also sought to make it clear that the policy must not compromise Civil Service productivity or quality of service.
“To develop a forward-thinking, proactive framework, we must consider several issues, bearing in mind that not every employee meets the criteria to work remotely. So, it’s not just about monitoring an employee’s progress online, but also about being proactive in ensuring that there is a framework that adequately addresses all relevant issues from the nature of the job, to the readiness of the agency’s platform and clearly identifies the remote location requirements to accommodate remote work activity. Above all, it is critical to ensure that remote work is consistent with GORTT’s drive to improve the provision of public services to our citizens and other stakeholders,” West said.
Meanwhile, the Public Administration Ministry launched a Change Management Training Programme in late March, aimed at improving the service offered by the public service. 64 managers and members of staff from six ministries took part in the training programme facilitated by Anthony Watkins of Odyssey Consulting Inc.
“This transformative Change Management Framework will ensure a strategic and coordinated approach to preparing and equipping the leadership and staff of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to deliver change in public service delivery.
“We have our eyes on the prize and service excellence is the goal. This programme will embed a proactive cultural framework that is results-oriented and performance-driven,” West said.
All 23 government ministries will take part in the training programme this year.
