The new financial year kicked off with the first Chief Executive Officers Forum held on the 3rd of July 2020, at the Samoa Conference Center, Sogi.
The theme for this year’s Forum was “Coordination and Compliance to Efficiently and Effectively Deliver Government Services”
The Honorable Prime Minister and Minister for the Public Service Commission – Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi delivered the keynote address. The Prime Minister reminded all CEOs of the importance of working together to utilize resources and human capacity to effectively deliver Government services in an effective and efficient manner to save costs. These should be done in line with the policies and regulations to guide the work of all employees in the public service. He also reminded CEOs that legitimate and rightful information is of essence when giving an advice to Ministers.
The Prime Minister reminded CEOs of their oath and duty as a public servant; “…may you give your Minister the legitimate advice based on honesty and integrity, but do not give an advice to your Minster knowing very well it is not the right advice, so you may have another term in office. Ensure you are ethical in performing your duties as a public servant”.
The Ministry of Finance was given the opportunity to present on the Public Finance Management (Internal Audit) Regulations 2020, which was officially endorsed in March this year.
The Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Internal Audit Division of the Ministry of Finance – Muliagatele Losalini Moli, presented on the purpose of the new Regulation which looks at better managing and controlling of the internal audit function. This is done through improvements to Government operations and systems and carrying out of independent assessments on governance, risk management and control processes to ensure they are effective and efficient. The regulation includes all Government Agencies.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development – Afioga Afamasaga Faauiga Mulitalo presented on the District Development Plans (DDP). Afamasaga highlighted that the needs of respective districts are identified through the Ministry and also through its Members of Parliament.
She further noted that “the DDP allows districts to forecast a clear vision of their priorities and therefore plan ahead for a well-developed and safe community.”
Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Senior Executive Services, Taaiseuga Jason Hisatake presented on the Recruitment and Selection Process and focused on the following:
- Pre-Assessment Phase – whereby the review of the position is undertaken, advertising of the position, receiving applications and whether to re-advertise the position or not on the ground of not receiving any applications or not meeting the merit factors.
- Assessment Phase – whereby the shortlisting takes place, reference checks, additional assessment/online test, interview and recommendation
- Post Assessment Phase – whereby the appointment is made, offer of employment and drafting of contract is undertaken, commencement time and contract signing.
Lastly, Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Legal Division – Maiavatele Timothy Fesili presented on the PSC’s Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Process, noting that the process is a lengthy one. He then clarified the procedures that should be followed to ensure that all investigations are done thoroughly.
The process takes approximately 1 – 2 months and aims to ensure that it is fair, unbiased, and transparent for both parties involved and that it is evidence based. Thorough research needs to be done to ensure factual analysis are presented. CEOs requested for more information to be shared during the proposed virtual sessions in August. Government agencies through their CEOs were advised to bring forth any pressing issues that they would like to understand and also to share best practices.
The PSC through its Human Resource Division will inform all government agencies of when the Virtual Forum will take place in due course.
