Government Moves to Improve Succession Planning

~~Adz:Right~~ Roadtown, Tortola- The Government of the Virgin Islands is rolling out a programme to ensure that successors are identified and trained for critical management positions in the public service.

Human Resources Manager for Strategic Succession Planning Ms. Kaisa Penn said although the process has been taking place informally for many years, the Department of Human Resources is now implementing a more systematic programme to succession planning.

“Strategic Succession Planning (SSP) is a systematic process for ensuring that a pool of employees are trained and developed to assume the role of a critical leadership position when the need arises. In addition, the overall purpose and function of the programme is developing and training all employees.” Ms. Penn said. 

The SSP programme calls on managers to identify key positions in their organisations, identify a pool of candidates for those positions, and expose those candidates to training and development experiences.

When implemented, succession planning is expected to result in the transfer of essential institutional knowledge to new leaders, the development of a cadre of leaders, and securing the sustainability and longevity of the public service.

“Succession planning will take some time and will take some effort and it will of course take some commitment. The Department of Human Resources is willing and able to do our part in partnership with ministries and departments to ensure that succession planning is successful in the public service,” she said.

Ms. Penn said SSP will be implemented through a series of workshops and meetings, where staff from the Department of Human Resources will work with senior managers from each ministry and department to create succession plans for their organisations.

The roll-out process began last week with a two-day workshop for department heads, their deputies, and human resources managers on workforce planning and succession planning.

This week, public servants on Tortola and Virgin Gorda will have an opportunity to learn more about the programme at two HR Talk Sessions. The first takes place on Tuesday, September 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Central Administration Complex Breezeway. The second will be held on Thursday, September 18 at the Vanterpool Administration Building on Virgin Gorda beginning at 1 p.m.

The Department is also preparing a brochure, entitled “Succession Planning and Me!” which will explain various stakeholders’ role in succession planning.

Implementation of SSP is one of the goals outlined in the Department of Human Resources’ 2008 Work Plan. The mission of the Department of Human Resources is to provide effective human resources management, leadership, and support for a vibrant world-class public service.