Barbados 2007 - Regional Caribbean Leadership Seminar

Programme

A well-functioning public service is a key ingredient of a country’s competitive advantage. The experience of the Public Policy Forum (PPF) and the Commonwealth Association of Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) in designing development seminars for senior public servants indicates that there is a strong demand for learning and networking events focused on leadership competencies. Participants at past seminars have suggested that regional events would provide a richer and more rewarding experience. With that in mind, the PPF, CAPAM, and the Commonwealth Secretariat collaborated to design a leadership seminar for Permanent Secretaries and other senior public servants in Caribbean Commonwealth countries.

Objectives

The broad objective of the seminar is to enhance participants’ capacities as public service leaders. There are three specific objectives:

1. Contribute to a deeper understanding of the demands of leadership positions within the context of Caribbean public service, through a relevant skills development programme.

2. Create a context in which senior public servants are able to share their unique experiences (personal and jurisdictional), best practices, insights, and challenges in a “safe” and supportive environment.

3. Establish links between senior public servants in Caribbean Commonwealth countries, in order to help create a network of individuals able to support each other throughout the course of their careers.

Methodology

The seminar will use a mix of speakers (regional and international experts) and participatory sessions (taking advantage, where appropriate, of case studies and other learning tools) in order to develop skills and encourage a frank exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge.