THE INTRODUCTION of a rigorous, objective and transparent staff selection process in the executive agencies represents one of the most significant departures from the centralised and weak recruiting mechanism in the public sector.
The chief executive officers in the executive agencies are granted human resource autonomy to make decisions relating to training, hiring, disciplining and firing of staff. Despite this autonomy, the agencies human resource operations are governed by procedures that are clearly articulated in their respective human resource manuals.
The policy statements regarding recruitment in the agencies seek to ensure that all appointments to posts are based on a fair and open assessment of the capabilities of individuals and in accordance with standards of professional best practices.
The pilot executive agencies established assessment centres where candidates were required to undergo various assessment exercises. The methods used to select the best candidates for positions in the agencies depend on the job level. A combination of methods including psychometric testing, case study-based exercises, presentations and interviews were used. "The psychometric test worked very well for us. We were able to use this test after concluding interviews and other tests and in 90 per cent of the cases it served to confirm the result of all other tests. And for those who were selected we were able to use the detailed psychometric test results in training those individuals," said Mrs. Patricia Holness, Chief Executive Officer of the Registrar-General's Department.
Although the Administrator-General's Department did not use the psychometric testing, other objective assessment exercises were used such as case based studies and presentations. Different approaches were used depending on the level of the job. For example, a secretary was required to show that she was computer literate.
"Basically, we wanted to ensure that the posts were filled by the most suitable candidates whose capabilities were objectively and competently assessed. The employment policy of the agencies is in compliance with the legislation covering employment practices. Those departments of government that are now in their transition phase will adhere to a transparent, objective and fair recruitment procedure in keeping with the principles of the modernisation programme," said Dr. Carlton Davis, Cabinet Secretary.
The agencies assess their senior management team for competencies and traits including judgement, flexibility, technical understanding, customer service orientation, problem analysis, decisiveness and teamwork. The assessment exercises are conducted in the assessment centres and the results compiled and used by the interviewing panel as a guide in the selection process.
