The Secretariat
The Secretariat is the central administrative office of the St Helena Government (SHG). Overlooking the seafront, it occupies the top floor of the Castle buildings and accommodates both the Governor and Chief Secretary’s offices.
As head of the Public Service and the Governor’s chief policy adviser, the Chief Secretary is responsible for the overall conduct of Government business while the Secretariat supports the Governor’s Office, Executive and Legislative Councils and all of the Directorates of Government. It is, in fact, at the heart of Government activities.
The Secretariat is managed by the Deputy Chief Secretary supported by the Manager of Central Administration, an Assistant Secretary of Administration, an Assistant Secretary of Councils, a Public Relations/Information Officer and ten other staff members.
Whilst the Strategic, Policy and Planning Directorate takes a leading and co-ordinating role in the strategic planning process, the Secretariat has overall responsibility for Government’s strategic planning, including the St Helena Government’s communications and public relations strategies, internal auditing, the St Helena Archives and divestment of non government activities.
As of the 1st of April 2011, the Secretariat has been assigned responsibility for the Attorney General’s Chambers and Judicial Services.
Restructuring of the Public Service has also seen the management of Planning and Building Control, initially falling under the umbrella of the Secretariat.
Key services provided by the Secretariat include:
General and Administration
Providing services and support to Executive and Legislative Council
Supporting private sector development and investment initiatives through the implementation of a divestment strategy
Supporting the St Helena Development Agency in marketing St Helena as an investment destination
Supporting tourism initiatives in marketing St Helena as a tourist destination Providing advice and support to Government directorates on general matters
Providing advice and support to the general public on policy/general matters
Co-ordinating/compiling reports in compliance with international conventions
Co-ordinating bids for FCO funding and monitoring project expenditure
Arranging appointments to statutory boards and committees
St Helena Government Archives (open to the public)
Preserving and conserving archival records
Undertaking research for government directorates and members of the public on-island and abroad
Repairing and binding material for government directorates
Assisting visitors in carrying out their own research
Public Relations Information Office
Communicating St Helena Government news and information through press releases, and information papers
Communicating news to select groups through various newsletters
Managing the St Helena Government website
Dealing with enquiries from local and international media
Judicial
Administration of Oaths
Processing matters related to the Supreme Court, Magistrates Court, Juvenile Court and Court of Appeal
Clerical support to HM Coronor
Registration of Charities
Registration of Companies
Registration of Patents and Trade marks
Planning and Building Control
Exercising control over Land Development Control Plan in accordance with the land planning and control ordinance
Processing development applications in accordance with the Land Planning and Development Control Ordinance
Providing a building control service
Enforcing building regulations
Providing guidance and advice on land planning matters.
Website: www.sainthelena.gov.sh
Email: secretariat@cwimail.sh
Telephone: +(290) 2470
Fax: +(290) 2598
Postal:
The Secretariat
The Castle
Jamestown
St Helena Island
South Atlantic Ocean
STHL 1ZZ