Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has praised Government staff for their continuing commitment to serve the people of the Island during a period of unprecedented change in the public sector.
Mr Bell was commenting ahead of the major modernisation and streamlining of Government coming into effect next Tuesday, April 1, as approved by Tynwald in January. One Department is disappearing, two others are merging and two Statutory Boards are also coming together to form a new entity.
Central co-ordination of policy is being strengthened through the creation of a Cabinet Office working with a new Minister for Policy and Reform. At the same time more support functions are being centralised, including catering, cleaning and vehicle fleet management.
The Chief Minister explained:
‘The radical changes taking effect on April 1 reflect Government’s policy of reducing its own internal bureaucracy and running costs to help protect funding for frontline services. For the public it should be business as usual in terms of the services they receive.
‘For many of our staff, however, this is a time of considerable upheaval and uncertainty. We know that this is making life difficult for them, but they are continuing to work with an undiminished commitment and dedication to public service.’
Mr Bell went on:
‘Government has to change if we are to overcome the unprecedented challenges facing the Island and achieve public services that are sustainable for the future. But change on this scale is unsettling for the staff affected and it raises questions which can’t all be answered immediately.
‘Hopefully the picture will become clearer for our employees as the new structure beds in over the weeks ahead. In the meantime Government has recognised the importance of engaging with staff and their representatives during this challenging period, and we have introduced fresh initiatives to encourage two-way communication.
‘A major staff survey, the first of its kind across all Government bodies, has been completed by more than 3,000 employees, and the Chief Secretary and the Chief Officers as a group have been talking with staff about the challenges ahead at a series of six roadshows held at different locations around the Island.’
The Chief Minister concluded:
‘Although the structure of Government is getting smaller, the values that we all share – of serving the Island and its people – are as strong as ever.’
