This is the first ever Retreat held by the Cabinet Secretariat since it was formed in the colonial period. The entire staff of Cabinet Secretariat actively participated in all the activities and lengthy sessions of thoughtful deliberations of the retreat, which they described as successful and interesting, as most of the objectives were achieved.
In his key note address the Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, John Sumailah, said the CabSec Retreat has key objectives which include: An opportunity for Cabinet Secretariat to review its scope of work to ensure alignment and fit between its institutional mandate and the higher-level objective of effective service delivery across the Civil Service.
Also, it is an opportunity for Cabinet Secretariat to review its Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in order to allow proper allocation of people, resources, funds and time for achievement of its strategic priorities.
“This Retreat will give Cabinet Secretariat the opportunity to agree on its strategic priorities for the next 12 months, three years and five years. It will serve as a platform where we will examine the Cabinet Secretariat’s internal work systems for effectively collaborating with partners for evidence-informed Cabinet decision-making and managing the Civil Service. It serves as an opportunity to strengthen communication and good teamwork within the Cabinet Secretariat”, Sumailah said.
Floyd Davis, a Lawyer and a Management Specialist of 20 years standing, with a wealth of experience in activities of such nature was the lead facilitator for the Retreat. He said the expected outcomes of the Retreat were met as it was interactive, informative, educative and communicative at all levels. Participants learned a lot from the sessions, equally and accordingly.
“The outcomes of the Retreat include: Agreement on the institutional Mandate, Mission and Vision. Greater clarity on the strategic objectives and priority activities the Cabinet Secretariat will focus on for the next 12 months, 3 years and 5 years; Greater clarity on an appropriate organizational structure that supports effective service delivery; Greater clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the Departments and Units; and, greater level of trust and professional respect amongst all staff, in order to achieve the objectives of CabSec”, Mr. Davis declared at the end of the Retreat.
The Retreat was sandwiched with group work and wrap-up sessions with Action Planning and shared understanding of the Way Forward, Outline of Action Plan and support needed, and interactive conflict resolution discussions to further improve the work environment and interpersonal relationship between and among staff.
