Public Can Apply To Serve: Boards & Committees
The Cabinet Office said that Government has now opened the process for residents wanting to serve on Government boards and committees, saying that this represents one of the first 2015 Throne Speech pledges which has been “promised and delivered.”
The relevant section of the Throne Speech [PDF] said:
The Government will also open up the process for citizens wanting to serve on government boards and committees, providing, for the first time, the opportunity to formally apply for positions.
The Government will use the extension of this opportunity to achieve equitable gender representation in this important area of public service.
Expression of interest forms will be made available on the Cabinet Office’s website before the end of this month and can be completed and submitted electronically. Government expects this initiative will see boards and committees draw from a larger talent pool than has been the case in the past.
It is to be followed in 2016 by a functional review of government boards to determine how their productivity and effectiveness can be increased and decide which Boards are no longer required.
In a statement today, the Cabinet Office said, “As announced in the recent Throne Speech, the Cabinet Office is pleased to confirm that Government has now opened the process for residents wanting to serve on government boards and committees.
“In that regard, Expression of Interest [EOI] forms are now available on the Cabinet Office’s website and can be completed and submitted electronically. The EOI forms can be accessed from the following link.
“The Cabinet Office pointed out that this is the first time that any Government of Bermuda has opened up the process so that members of the public can formally apply.
“Premier Michael Dunkley also noted that this represents one of the first 2015/16 Government Throne Speech pledges which has been ‘promised and delivered.’
“And he’s hoping as many interested individuals as possible will take advantage of this opportunity to publicly serve their community. In particular the Premier is encouraging more women to become involved in serving on Government boards and committees.
The Premier said, “Government boards and committees play an important role in good governance by providing independent and expert governance or advice. They also provide an effective link between government and the community.
“More specifically, we want to see more women in our community embrace this opportunity to serve.
“As we noted in our Throne Speech, Government hopes to use the extension of this opportunity to achieve a more diverse and gender equitable representation in this important area of public service.”
The Cabinet Office added, “As a final note, next year a functional review of government boards will be conducted to determine the overall productivity and effectiveness of the entities.”
Cabinet Office – the form only lets you submit one board/committee at a time. This makes it onerous for people who are REALLY interested in serving to express an interest in multiple boards.
cuz its only for PR purposes.
Like you jack***** would ever help with anything…
Honestly, if you are serving on all boards, you are useful on none. Pick one or two that you will be truly able to add value and commit time. Both you and the Board will be better off.
Will the website list which boards and committees?
Be careful what you ask for!
Enquiring minds want to know if the OBA’s inability to find people to serve on Boards is the real impetus behind ‘opening up the process’.
It is not as easy as people may think to convince people to serve on boards!
You have to list your qualifications etc. Are the ones in charge even qualified? Just wondering!