The Public Sector Transformation Assessment Tool (PSTAT) is expected to serve a number of purposes: Provide a method and common language for talking about the public sector and how it can be improved Provide a way to involve stakeholders from all areas at all levels in improving the public sector Help to focus the attention of public sector leaders, managers and employees on the opportunities for improvement Provide a “compass” for public officers to use in navigating the implementation and evaluation of public sector transformation initiatives Provide an integrated systems approach to thinking about the public sector so that public officers view and understand how their work operations impact the operations of the public sector as a whole. Horizon: There has also been an increase in talk of Transformation in the region. Can you enlighten our readers about CARICAD’s role in this area? I am happy that you asked because it gives me an opportunity to highlight a new development important to the future of Transformation among our member states. All member states of CARICAD are engaging in Transformation, though they may be at varying stages and pursuing activities based on their particular circumstances. In response and to support the effective delivery of improvement, CARICAD developed the Public Sector Transformation Assessment Tool (PSTAT). PSTAT is a questionnaire to be completed by a team of carefully selected in-country public sector officials to rate the current status of the public service in relation to the six pillars of the Charter (Governance, Accountability, Standards, Capacity, Openness and Legislation). Comparisons of the results of PSTAT every few years will provide a sense of progress or otherwise. The tool provides a means to examine critical functions and to determine best ways to engage public sector employees to identify and implement opportunities for improvement. PSTAT is expected to be launched in CARICAD Member States very early in the new year. The implementation of the tool will be accompanied by targeted training in its use. While PSTAT is aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness within regional public sectors, it is also driven by the need to inculcate and strengthen a culture of assessment, where continuous improvement is a part of the day-to-day modus operandi of conducting the work of government throughout the public sector. The application of this tool will bode well as leaders and their leadership capabilities catapult into the sphere of CARICAD’s objectives. Integrating assessment and improvement in Public Sector Organisations is one of CARICAD’s major focal points for the future and will be conducted through the consistent implementation of the Public Sector Transformation Assessment Tool. Continues on the next page 4
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