Belmopan, July 3, 2023.
In November 2022, the Ministry of the Public Service partnered with the University of Belize (UB) to pilot an asynchronous Induction Training for public officers via UB’s Learning Platform. Today, 182 established public officers, who joined the service between 2022 and March 2023 began the training, which must be completed over a five-week period.
The training will help participants understand their role in the service and prepare each person for success in their career. It provides guiding principles and relevant information for the introduction of new public officers into the service. It contains information on governmental departments, government functions, and insights into the Belize Public Service rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Gender awareness is also incorporated into the training, as the ministry recognizes the importance of equality and equity between genders.
The Belize Public Service Regulations (2014) stipulate that induction is mandatory. Formal induction training had become non-existent for several years in the service, therefore, many public officers did not complete a proper induction into the Public Service. The induction process is key in helping new employees understand their conditions of service and the culture and values of the Belize Public Service.
To support this process, in August 2022, the ministry launched the Onboarding Handbook, which provides a strategic guide to inducting public officers into their work environment. The handbook has a comprehensive checklist to aid the heads of department/unit(s), supervisors, administrative officers, and other relevant personnel with the orientation process.
The ministry congratulates the participants and encourages them all to successfully complete the training at their own pace and within the timeline provided.
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