2023 has been a very busy year for the Ombudsman and his senior executive staff especially in his effort to engage public officers in the Good decision-making process training, an initiative the ombudsman sees as very critical for decision-makers in the government sector.
The initiative, which was describe by the Secretary to Cabinet (STC) as, ‘proactive approach to cutting the costs of bad decision in the public office’, (also the theme of the training), begins late last year and continue on throughout this year. Various government agencies, bodies and ministries ‘staff were engaged and trained in the good decision-making process so far already.
Recently, Heads of Divisions (HODs) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Service were trained and engaged for two days at the Heritage Park hotel from the 7th to 8th November 2023.
The recent good decision making training begins with the Secretary to Cabinet (STC) acknowledging the Ombudsman office for the vital role, the Office of the Ombudsman of Solomon Islands (OOSI) played in ensuring that bad decisions are being checked, and where appropriated corrected, for fairness sake.
In his key note address to participants, the Secretary to Cabinet, Mr Nego Sisiolo also highlighted the ‘significances of upholding better governance in the public offices. He traces that by eliminating bad decisions in public offices, it is a demonstration of mature organisational leadership that values and respect people as important contributors to our nation building’. He continues on to state that, ‘it is therefore only appropriate that individuals entrusted with positions of power and authority in public offices need to make decisions that are within the rule of law. This is critical as our people are aware of their rights and entitlement either as employees in public offices or as citizens’.
He goes on to state that unlike elected politicians who comes in to power for a-time-bound period, ‘public officers like you and I are often regarded as the government in residence’.
We are the tip of the spear implementing policies on behalf of the government and its people. Therefore we are the stewardships of public trust. The ‘guard-rails’, that provides for the manner we conduct ourselves and relate to public offices we occupy, the roles we discharge, and how such roles ought to be discharged is clearly stipulated in the 5-Principles of the Solomon Islands Public Service Code of Conduct. These are: (1) Respect for the Law and the Government (2) Respect for People, (3) Integrity (4) Diligence and (5) Economy and Efficiency.
These principles are universal thus I believe are applicable and are expected to be demonstrated in any public service jurisdictions that values better governance and accountability on decision makings.
The Ombudsman later on in his opening remarks, reemphasize the importance of decision-making to participants stating, decision although seems small and insignificant has the potential to affects someone’s life. As public officers, who were entrusted to make important decisions on behalf of the government and the institution you represents, it is of vital importance we understand the source of authority we are entrusted with, and the scope and limits to which to make a decision. When making decision, it is important that we protect ourselves, the office or agency we represents and our families. The moment our decision are questioned, our integrity will also be questioned.
Participants reaction to the Good decision-making training were positive, some commenting the training should be extend to other senior officers within all government ministries and agencies.
The Ombudsman will continue the training with more government ministries and agencies in the future, after recommendation shows hundred percent (100%) support for the training to continue.
OOSI Press