The Public Service Commission has stressed that all Government ministries must work together as equals as it moves to strengthen accountability and performance across the Civil Service.
Speaking at a workshop for Permanent Secretaries yesterday, PSC Chair Luke Rokovada said the success of the Government’s public sector reforms would depend on stronger collaboration between ministries.
“There are no premiere or special ministries. We are all here to work together in advancing Government’s objectives and delivering better services to our people,” Mr Rokovada said.
The workshop brought together Permanent Secretaries to help develop a new Permanent Secretaries Effectiveness and Development System and a revised Performance Agreement framework, aimed at improving leadership, accountability and service delivery.
The initiative forms part of the wider Functional Review of the Fiji Civil Service announced earlier this year by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to modernise Government institutions and strengthen public confidence.
Mr Rokovada said the introduction of Performance Agreements would ensure senior public servants were more closely aligned with the objectives of their ministries while creating a stronger culture of performance.
“Performance Agreements are vital because they improve service delivery and accountability, align leadership responsibilities with the functions of each ministry, identify development needs and provide a sound basis for merit-based advancement,” he said.
He said the Commission remained on track to introduce the new agreements by 30 September 2026, incorporating feedback received during consultations.
Mr Rokovada also announced progress on a new Executive Leadership Programme and the re-establishment of the Senior Executive Service to improve succession planning and leadership capability across Government.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service Pita Tagicakirewa encouraged participants to play an active role in shaping the reforms.
“This workshop is an important opportunity for Permanent Secretaries to contribute meaningfully to the development of two significant leadership documents that will help shape the future of the Civil Service,” Mr Tagicakirewa said.
He urged Permanent Secretaries to provide honest and constructive feedback to ensure the new leadership framework reflects the realities of public sector management before its implementation.
The reforms are expected to strengthen performance, reinforce accountability and foster a more connected leadership culture across the Civil Service, with the ultimate goal of improving services delivered to Fijians.
