The Office of Chief Secretary

The Office of the Chief Secretary is at the heart of the St Helena Government. It supports the Chief Secretary who is the head of the Public Service and the Governor's chief policy adviser with responsibility for the overall conduct of Government business. It also supports the Executive and Legislative Councils, the Office of the Governor and the other 12 Government departments. The OCS leads the strategic planning process for the St Helena Government which involves the development, monitoring and review of policies. In addition, it has overall responsibility for tourism, internal audit, the St Helena Government communications strategy and public relations, outsourcing Government activities and the St Helena Archives.

Key Services provided include:

 

General and Administration

Providing services and support to Executive and Legislative Councils

Leading and monitoring the National Strategic Planning process

Developing and co-ordinating policies that are conducive to achieving the National Strategic Objectives

Supporting private sector development and investment initiatives through the implementation of the outsourcing policy and plan

Providing advice to Government departments on general issues

Providing advice and support to the general public on policy/general matters

Supporting the St Helena Development Agency in marketing St Helena as an investment destination 

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

Researching for government departments and the public, both on-Island and overseas

Repairing and binding material for government departments and the public

Assisting visitors in carrying out their own research

 

St Helena Tourist Office (open to the public) www.sthelenatourism.com  

Providing on-Island visitor information

Formulating and co-ordinating SHG policy on tourism development

Promoting tourism awareness on St Helena

Co-ordinating overseas marketing of St Helena as a tourist destination

Working with relevant stakeholders to improve the facilities, products and services for tourists

Monitoring the impact of tourism development on the Island

Providing a fast and efficient enquiry service, for the international travel trade and prospective visitors to the Island

Providing a booking service for visitors in respect of accommodation, car hire and Island tours

Carrying out PR duties for key clients

 

Internal Audit

Ensuring adequacy and effectiveness of the systems of internal control

Ensuring reliability and integrity of management, financial and operating information

Monitoring effectiveness and efficiency of operations

Monitoring results of the operation and whether they are consistent with departmental objectives

Safeguarding of assets, including verification of existence

Ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, policies, procedures and contracts

Assessing risks of Government organisations and whether they are appropriately identified and managed

Investigating any diversion of resources through misappropriation and irregularity.

 

Public Relations Information Office

Disseminating St Helena Government news and information through press releases

Providing news for select groups through various newsletters

Managing the SHG Website

Dealing with enquiries from the local and international media

 

Website: None

Email: ocs@cwimail.sh

Telephone: +(290) 2470

Fax: +(290) 2598

Postal: Office of the Chief Secretary, The Castle, Jamestown, St Helena Island, South Atlantic Ocean, STHL 1ZZ 

 


Latest News

Press Release

It is well known that from time to time oil escapes from the wreck of the 'Darkdale'...

Read article | More news