Department of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources: Mr. David Archer
Tel: 284/494-3701 ext. 2178 or 284/468-0073
Fax: 284/494-5799
Website: www.hr.gov.vg   Email: hrdbvi@gov.vg

History:

In 2001 Executive Council approved that the Department of Personnel be changed to the Department of Human Resources as a result of the public sector reform initiative. The Department of Human Resources was launched in 2001 with a new organisational structure and focus to strengthen human resources management in the Public Service. The Department has evolved its focus from the accomplishment of tasks mainly related to employment, benefits and compensation to a broader focus on human resources change management, policy formulation and implementation, capacity building, organisational development, succession and strategic planning, employee relations and services for the benefit of our most valuable assets, that is our employees, and for the success of the Organisation.

Vision:

The Department of Human Resources is a dynamic, facilitative organisation which responds to the needs of the Public Service in a fair, just, equitable and consistent manner, utilising systems and procedures that keep pace with technological advances.

It is also characterised by trained Human Resource professionals who recognise people as the Services’ most valuable asset, and are committed to their effective procurement, development and utilisation.

Mission:

To provide effective Human Resources Management, leadership and support for a vibrant world class Public Service.

2006 Work Plan

Major projects and initiatives from our 2006 work plan:

1.       Completion of the Job Classification Review

2.       Implementation of General Orders and PSC Regulations inclusive of Training and Public Education/Awareness

3.       Website development and launch (http://www.hr.gov.vg/)

4.       Continued Training and Development: Using Flexible and Experiential Learning

5.             The introduction of a Merit-Based Pay System for employees who perform at an exemplary level

6.             Development of Managers

7.             HR Quest BVI - focused recruitment of BV Islanders

8.             Revision of Allowances

Budget:

The Department's expenditure for the past three years has been: 

2003	$4,713,517
2004	$4,424,645
2005	$4,211,915

The Department has a complement of 40 staff members.

Critical Areas of Success in 2006

1.       Job Evaluation Review- completed in March 2006.   After extensive work the new grade and salary structure was successfully implemented in May 2006.

2.       General Orders & Public Service Regulations- the project is in the final phase of consultation with managers and support staff.  The revised General Orders will provide guidance to support employees in the execution of their daily operations.  The implementation of the revised General Orders will ensure that the regulations of the Public Service are progressive and reflective of leading international standards and aligned to good governance practices.

3.       Revised Performance Management System- new Performance Management Programme which now links performance management to the competency standards framework more accurately identifies the set skills and knowledge necessary for the Public Service.  The revised performance management system is comprehensive and includes an assessment checklist and an employee development plan.  All Ministries and Departments were trained to effectively use the new performance assessment system.

4.       Human Resources Devolution- the development of human resources policies, training, placement of human resources managers and the establishment of human resources units were completed in preparation for the decentralisation of some human resources functions.  Human resources devolution will give Ministries and Departments authority, autonomy, capability and greater administration of their human resources.  Authorisation to launch phase one of the project is being sought with Executive Council.

5.       HR Website- the website (http://www.hr.gov.vg/) was launched January 2006 to enhance our professional relationship with both external and internal clients.  HR on-line makes it simple to access information and services from the Department of Human Resources through special features such as downloadable forms and applications, job vacancy notices,  the pension calculator and the option to submit e-resumes and online employment applications.

6.       Development of Managers- the development of the managers’ competencies remained a primary area of concentration for the Training Division and the Department.  The 1^st cohort of the Diploma in Management had a 100% graduation rate.  The graduates participated in the HLSCC graduation June 2006.  The programme is UK based and is a collaborative effort between the Chartered Management Institute and HLSCC.  The 2^nd cohort of the Diploma in Management and the 1^st Executive Diploma in Management course is in progress while the 2^nd executive course is scheduled for January 2007.

7.       Motivational Activities- the Department of Human Resources’ Organisational Development & Planning Unit developed a concept for a motivational programme called the Employee Privileges Card Programme.  This initiative was designed to offer benefits and discounts to Government employees to be used towards private sector purchases and services.  It is viewed as a tangible way to express the organisation’s value of its employees.  July 2006 the Employee Privileges Card was officially handed over to the Civil Service Association for management and full implementation.   See the press release at http://www.hr.gov.vg/.  Additionally the Employee Relations Unit of the Department of Human Resources is finalising the development of a professional motivational workshop for the Service to enhance employee morale and positively impact staff performance.  The workshop will be conducted by the Employee Relations Unit and will have two different sessions for support staff and supervisors.

8.       Employee Relations/ Employee Assistance Programme- the Employee Relations Unit continued to coordinate and host the Employee of the Quarter and introduced the first Employee of the Year award.  The Employee Assistance Programme remains at the top of the unit’s agenda and is positively impacting the lives of Public Servants.  The programme’s performance indicators and the increasing client cases are evidence that the Employee Assistance Programme is embedded into the organisational culture of the BVI Government.