Cabinet approves accountability framework for senior employees

Cabinet has approved a proposed Accountability Framework for Government’s senior executive officers, permanent secretaries and chief executive officers in executive agencies and other public bodies.
Minister with responsibility for Information, Hon. Daryl Vaz, explained that the framework seeks to clarify accountability arrangements, identify appropriate modalities and tools by which performance can be assessed and close gaps identified in Jamaica’s accountability model.
The strengthening of accountability systems among senior officials in government is a major thrust of the Government’s Public Sector Modernisation Initiative. The initiative, which commenced in April 2003, is scheduled to run until March 2012.
Strengthening the accountability framework and mechanisms for permanent secretaries, heads of departments and chief executive officers in executive agencies and public bodies will provide the context for improving the performance of top level public officials by clarifying the performance standards, modes of operation and the deliverables for which and to whom, they will be held accountable.
Among other things, the initiative will enable government ministries, departments and agencies to develop and deliver high quality, integrated, public service programmes, which meet the needs of customers; strengthen results-based management in government; and align human resource management strategies with the strategic direction of the modernisation programme.
The project is being financed by the Department for International Development, the Government of Jamaica and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).