Middle Management (Level 3)

The following Local In-Service Training courses are available for officers at this level.

    ‣ Communication and Interpersonal Skills

    Course Number:GEN0101

    Duration:

    2 days

     No. of Participants:

     20

    Course Dates:July 3 - 4, 2019

    Target Group:

    All Public Officers

     Course Aim:

     To enable participants to enhance their interpersonal relations through the use of effective communication techniques.

    Course Outcomes:

    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

    • Define the role of communication in various settings
    • List communication barriers and strategies for minimising/eliminating these barriers
    • Demonstrate communication and interpersonal relationship techniques
     

    Course Content:

    The course will cover the following broad subject areas:

    • The communication process
    • Barriers to effective communication
    • Interpersonal skills:
    • dealing with difficult personality types
    • conflict management
    • Assertion vs aggression
    • Strategies for enhancing interpersonal skills
     

    Delivery Methods:

    Face-to-face

    Instructional Methods:

    The following methods will be used in course delivery:

    • Lectures
    • Case Studies
    • Role Plays
    • Small group and plenary discussions
     

    ‣ Customer Service Skills

    Course Number:GEN0102

    Duration:

    2 days

     No. of Participants:

     20

    Course Dates:June 3 - 4, 2019

    Target Group:

    All Public Officers

     Course Aim:

     To improve competence in public officers' delivery of customer service at the organizational level and by extension, to the wider public service.

    Course Outcomes:

    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

    • Respond appropriately to customers
    • Effectively communicate information to customers
    • Prepare to deal with customers
    • Give consistent service to customers
    • Build customer confidence in the level of service provided
    • Meet the ongoing needs and expectations of customers
    • Contribute to developing the relationship between the organisation and its customers
    • Contribute to maintaining a safe work environment for customers, staff and visitors
    • Maintain personal health and hygiene
     

    Course Content:

    The course will cover the following broad subject areas:

    • Introduction to Customer Service
    • Promoting a positive impression of self and organisation
    • Delivering reliable customer service
    • Developing customer relationships
    • Resolving customer service problems
    • Maintaining a safe and secure working environment
     

    Delivery Methods:

    Face-to-face

    Instructional Methods:

    The following methods will be used in course delivery:

    • Lectures
    • Case Studies
    • Role Plays
    • Small group and plenary discussions
     

    ‣ Effective Presentation Skills

    Course Number:GEN0103
    Duration:5 days
    Number of Participants:
    20
    Course Dates: June 24 - 28, 2019
    Target
    Group:
     
    Public officers who are required to deliver presentations as part of their duties, and wish to build a foundation in successful presentation skills.
    Course Aim:  To give participants the tools to cultivate confidence and competencies required to deliver effective presentations
    Course
    Outcomes:
     
     

    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

    • Overcome the fear and nervousness associated with presenting
    • Develop key skills to construct and deliver effective presentations
    • Present with clarity and energy
    • Use visual aids to enhance the appeal and professionalism of their presentation
    • Demonstrate confidence and dynamism as a presenter
     
    Course
    Content:
     
     

    The course will cover the following broad subject areas:

    • Planning the presentation
    • The Art of Communication – positive body language
    • Speech writing techniques
    • Managing the audience
    • Tools of the Trade: Using Visual Aids and PowerPoint
    • Voice intonation and its uses
    • Successful impromptu speaking

     

    Delivery
    Methods:
     
     
    Face-to-face  
    Instructional
    Methods:
      

    The following methods will be used in course delivery:

    • Lectures
    • Group Discussion
    • Practical exercises

     

    Assessment Method:
    • Individual presentations

    ‣ Enhancing Financial Performance

    Course Number:FIN0301
    AimThe aim of the course is to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively carry out their assigned duties.

    Duration

    5 Days

    Proposed Course Dates

    July 29 - August 6, 2019

    (Note that August 1 and August 5 are public holidays)

    Course Loading

    20

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    Accountants and assistant accountants or persons who currently act in those capacities

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

    • Apply the legislation that governs the accounting functions in the public service.

    • Discuss the financial management process.

    • Employ the principles of internal control to their department.

    • Verify data inputted into the financial management information system.

    • Identify behaviour that leads to effectiveness as a supervisor.

     

    Course Content

     
    • Financial Management and Audit Act 2007 – 11

    • Financial Management and Audit (Amendment) Act 2008 – 8

    • Financial Management and Audit (Financial) Rules, 2011

    • Public Service Act Cap 29

    • General Orders for the Public Service of Barbados 1970

    • Estimates and Budgetary Process

    • Appropriation Accounts

    • Request for Quarterly Allocation (RQA)

    • Principles of internal control

    • Smart Stream

    • Payroll

    • Cash vs accrual basis

    • Recording of transactions

    • Types of accounts

    • Charts of accounts

    • Overview of financial statements

    • Treatment of overdrawn salaries

    • Treatment of hotel accommodation

    • Calculation of salaries, NIS

    • Consolidation Tax

     

    Instructional Methods

    Lectures, practice exercises, demonstrations, case studies and group discussions.

    ‣ First Level Supervisors' Workshop

    Course Number:MNL0304
    AimTo further enhance the competencies of first level supervisors so that they in turn are better able to develop a climate which is conducive to excellent performance so that the goals of the public service are effectively and efficiently achieved.

    Duration

    3 Days

    Proposed Course Dates

    July 17 - 19, 2019

    February 18 - 20, 2020

    Course Loading

    20

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    All officers in the public service who function as first level supervisors in posts not limited to senior clerk, assistant accountat, executive officer and personnel officer.

    Course Objectives

     
    • To provide participants with the essential knowledge and skills required to be a supervisor

    • To enhance the participants' knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework of the public service so that they can effectively supervise.

     

    Course Content

     
    • What is means to be a supervisor

    • Orienting the new officer

    • PRDS and report writing

    • The legislation: Making my job easier

    • Managing conduct and behaviour

     

    Delivery Methods

    Face-to-face

    Instructional Methods

    Lectures, demonstrations, case studies and group discussions.

    ‣ Introduction to Computers

    Course Number:ICT0101
    AimThe aim of this course is to assist public officers with gaining a fundamental understanding of computers and a working knowledge of information and communications technology.

    Duration

    5 Days

    Proposed Course Dates

    July 8 - 12, 2019

    Course Loading

    13

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    Officers who have no prior computer knowledge and need basic skills to start developing their computer competency.

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

    • Use ICT for simple tasks and purposes
    • Carry out the initial steps needed to use a personal computer
    • Make use of common types of hardware and software while complying with relevant safety and security requirements
    • Create adn manage files and folders
    • Carry out regular external maintenance of hardware
    • Solve common hardware and software errors, getting help with more difficult problems
     

    Course Content

     
    • Computer Hardware, Software and Peripherals

    • Storing Information

    • Personalising your Computer

    • Understanding Your Operating System

    • Data Security, Ethics and Legislation

    • Health and Safety: Computer Workstation Ergonomics

     

    Instructional Methods

    Lecture, demonstration, practical exercises

    ‣ Introduction to Microsoft Excel

    Course Number:ITC0103
    Duration:5 days
    Number of Participants:13

    Course Dates:

    September 23 - 27, 2019
    October 28 - November 1, 2019

    Target Group

    All Public Officers

    Pre-requisite:Successful completion of Introduction to Computers or equivalent.  
    Course Aim:To introduce participants to Microsoft Excel and the development of proficiencies in creating and manipulating data in a spreadsheet with a view towards improving your productivity.  

    Course Outcome:

    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

    • Demonstrate proficiency in
      creating and manipulating data in a
      spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel
        

     

    Course Content

    • Introduction to the basics of Excel
    • Spreadsheet creation and organisation
    • Spreadsheet checking and editing
    • Spreadsheet functions and formulas
    • Charts and graphs
     

    Delivery Method:

     Face-to-Face 

    Instructional Methods:

    The following methods will be used in course delivery:
    • Lecture
    • Demonstration
    • Practical exercises
     

    ‣ Introduction to Microsoft Outlook

    Course Number:ITC0104
    Duration:3 days
    Number of Participants:15

    Course Dates:

    November 26 - 28, 2019

    Target Group

    All Public Officers

    Pre-requisite:Successful completion of Introduction to Computer Applications or equivalent.  
    Course Aim:To provide participants with basic knowledge and skills in Microsoft Outlook.  

    Course Outcomes:

    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

    • send email (with or without attachments) whenever required; 
    • open received emails and action accordingly;
    • create a contact list or electronic rolodex;
    • schedule individual and/or recurring appointments and/or meetings;
    • electronically invite other persons to scheduled meetings;
    • electronically create a daily and/or recurring task list;
    • electronically assign tasks to other persons; and
    • electronically send status reports on assigned tasks.  
     

    Course Content

    The course will cover the following broad subject areas:
    • Introduction to Microsoft Outlook
    • Sending and receiving email
    • Using the Contact/Address Book feature
    • Setting appointments and/or meetings using the Calendar feature
    • Using the Task feature
    • Sharing your calendar  
     

    Delivery Method:

    Face-to-Face 

    Instructional Methods:

    The following methods will be used in course delivery:
    • Lecture
    • demonstration
    • practical exercises
     

    ‣ Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

    Course Number:ITC0105
    AimThe aim of this course is to provide participants with basic knowledge and skills in creating electronic presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint.

    Duration

    3 Days

    Proposed Course Dates

    November 11 – 13, 2019

    Course Loading

    13

    Pre-requisite

    Successful completion of Introduction to Computers or similar training

    Target Group

    All Public Officers

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

    • Determine what information should be used in their PowerPoint presentation

    • Start Microsoft PowerPoint

    • Create a PowerPoint presentation, using

      • Layout, text and slides

      • Design templates and images

    • Add animation effects

    • Print slides as handouts or notes, and

    • Identify and employ elements of a good presentation

     

    Course Content

     
    • Starting a presentation

    • The PowerPoint window

    • Choosing a design template

    • Creating a presentation

    • Saving the presentation

    • Using graphics in presentations

    • Formattinging and animating slides

    • Adding headers and footers to slides

    • Printing slides and handouts

     

    Instructional Methods

    Lecture, demonstration, practical exercises

    ‣ Introduction to Microsoft Word

    Course Number:ITC0106
    AimThe aim of this course is to provide participants with basic knowledge and skills in word processing using Microsoft Word.

    Duration

    4 Days

    Proposed Course Dates

    November 18 - 21, 2019

    Course Loading

    13

    Pre-requisite

    Successful completion of Introduction to Computer or similar training

    Target Group

    All Public Officers

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

    • Demonstrate proficiency in creating, editing and formatting word-processed documents

     

    Course Content

     
    • The basics of word processing

    • Document creation

    • Document creation and organisation

    • Document checking and editing

     

    Instructional Methods

    Lecture, demonstration, practical exercises

    ‣ Orientation to the Public Service

    Course Number:GEN0107
    Duration:4 days
    Number of Participants:
    20
    Course Dates: January 20 - 23, 2020

    March 9 - 12, 2020

    Target
    Group:
     
    All officers who have been employed in the public service for four years or less, and who have not undergone a formal orientation programme.
    Course Aim:  To provide participants with an overview of government and the public service.
    Course
    Outcomes:
     
     

    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

    • Explain the functions of the public service
    • Describe their responsibilities as public officers
    • Identify the main conditions of service
    • List the various benefits that accrue to public officers
    • Discuss career development
    • Discuss performance management
     
    Course
    Content:
     
     

    The course will cover the following broad subject areas:

    • Administrative, legislative and executive arms of government
    • Legislative framework
    • Performance management (PRDS)
    • Conditions of Service
    • Working with files
    • Career Development

     

    Delivery
    Methods:
     
     
    Face-to-face  
    Instructional
    Methods:
      

    The following methods will be used in course delivery:

    • Lectures
    • Group Discussion
    • Buzz groups

     

    Assessment Method:
    • N/A

    ‣ PRDS and You

    Course Number:GEN0106
    Duration:1 day
    Number of Participants:
    20
    Course Dates: September 17, 2019

    September 18, 2019

    October 17, 2019

    October 18, 2019

    Target Group: All public officers.
    Course Aim:  To expose participants to the performance appraisal tools the government of Barbados uses to develop and motivate public officers adn to evaluate their work performance.
    Course
    Outcomes:
     
     

    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

    • Define performance management
    • Explain five (5) objectives of PRDS
    • Explain five (5) benefits of PRDS
    • Discuss the PRDS cycle
    • Identify the steps in the PRDS cyclet
     
    Course
    Content:
     
     

    The course will cover the following broad subject areas:

    • Definition of performance management
    • Benefits of PRDS
    • The PRDS cycle
    • Coping with poor performance

     

    Delivery
    Methods:
     
     
    Face-to-face  
    Instructional
    Methods:
      

    The following methods will be used in course delivery:

    • Lectures
    • Group Discussion
    • Buzz groups
    • Case study

     

    Assessment Method:
    • N/A

    ‣ PRDS for Middle Managers

    Course Number:MNL0302
    Aim

    The aim of the course is to provide managers and supervisors with knowledge and skills necessaryfor them to understand and utilise the principles and processes of the PRDS and its contribution to a culture of “renewed professionalism” in the public sector. It will also enable them to utilize the system as a management tool.

    Duration

    5 Days

    Proposed Course Dates

    jULY 22 - 26, 2019

    Course Loading

    20

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    Managers and Supervisors (from Senior Clerk to Senior Administrative Officer and related grades)

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

    • Explain the principles of performance management;

    • Explain the processes of the PRDS;

    • Write work plan objectives and performance measures;

    • Write Unit and Individual work plan outlines;

    • List benefits of the PRDS;

    • Conduct progress meetings; and

    • Prepare performance improvement plans.

     

    Course Content

     
    • Introduction to performance management

    • Overview of performance appraisal in the Barbados public sector

    • Benefits of the PRDS

    • Communication: the Key to a successful PRDS

    • Preparing for PRDS in your Unit

    • Recognising good performance

    • Dealing with unsatisfactory performance.

     

    Instructional Methods

    Theory, group discussions, practical exercises and demonstrations.

    ‣ Processing Personnel Matters in the Public Service

    Course Number:OSD0301
    AimThe aim of the course is to further develop the personnel officer’s skills with a view to improving operational effectiveness.

    Duration

    5 Days

    Course Dates

    June 3 - 7, 2019

    Course Loading

    20

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    Officers either acting in or appointed to the personnel stream in the public service and persons with responsibility for personnel matters

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

    • Identify the rules and regulations that govern personnel management in the public service.

    • Prepare public service documents to reduce completion time/to improve turnaround and;

    • Understand the framework for personnel management in public service.

     

    Course Content

     
    • Introduction to Personnel Management

    • The Legislative Framework for Personnel Management

    • Preparation of Public Service Personnel Documents

    • The Organisational Framework

    • Conditions of Service

    • Pensions and Gratuities

    • Leave Matters

    • Performance Management

    • Smart Stream

     

    Instructional Methods

    Practice exercises, lectures and discussions

    ‣ Public Service Document Preparation

    Course Number:ADM0301
    AimThe aim of the course is equip participants with the knowledge and skills to produce public service documents.

    Duration

    2 Days

    Proposed Course Dates

    October 7 - 11, 2019

    Course Loading

    20

    Pre-requisite

    Currently performing the functions of research and preparing public service documents.

    Target Group

    Officers who are required to research and prepare public service documents

    Course Objectives

     
    • Explain the role that the administrative officer plays in the functioning of the public service;

    • Apply a systematic approach to the research and writing of public service documents;

    • Use established formats to prepare a variety of public service documents including minutes, reports, briefs and replies to parliamentary questions.

     

    Course Content

     
    • The Role of the Administrative Officer in the Public Service

    • Conducting Research

    • Preparing for Meetings and Minute Taking

    • Writing Reports

    • Writing Briefs

    • Replies to Parliamentary Questions

    • Diplomatic Notes

    • Aide memoirs

    • Green Papers

    • White Papers

     

    Instructional Methods

    Lectures and Group discussion

    ‣ Time Management

    Course Number:GEN0104
    Duration:1 day
    Number of Participants:
    20
    Course Dates: January 14, 2020
    Target
    Group:
     
    All Public Officers  
    Course Aim:  To expose participants to current methods and strategies for managing their time, with a view towards improving individual and organisational productivity.  
    Course
    Outcomes:
     
     
    At the end of the training, participants will be able to:
    • Define Time Management;
    • Analyse Time Schedules;
    • Set Goals and Objectives;
    • Prioritise Activities;
    • Identify Time Wasters; and
    • List Key Strategies for Time Management.  
    Course
    Content:
     
     
    The course will cover the following broad subject areas:
    • The Concept of Time Management;
    • Recording Use of Time;
    • Analysing Use of Time;
    • Identifying Time Wasters; and
    • Strategies for Managing Time.  
    Delivery
    Methods:
     
     
    Face-to-face  
    Instructional
    Methods:
      
    The following methods will be used in course delivery:
    • Lectures
    • Case Studies
    • Role Plays  

    ‣ Seminar – Emergency Preparedness

    Course Number:ISS0102
    AimTo promote awareness about threats posed by hurricanes, tropical storms and other types of hazards and disasters and to provide public officers with the opportunity to discuss safety procedures during such events.

    Duration

    ½ Day

    Proposed Course Dates

    June 27, 2019

    Course Loading

    100

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    All public officers

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the seminar, participants should be able to:

    • Discuss the types of natural disasters that occur in our region

    • Identify their responsibilities/behaviours before, during and after a hurricane/storm

    • Discuss the structure of a personal/family emergency plan

    • Outline evacuation procedures for safeguarding themselves and others

     

    Course Content

     
    • Types of disasters

    • Your role and responsibilities before, during and after an event

    • Personal and workplace evacuation procedures

    • Personal/family emergency plans

     

    ‣ Seminar – Safety and Health at Work

    Course Number:ISS0104
    AimTo sensitize public officers to the Safety and Health at Work (SHaW) Act Cap 356 adn to promote occupational safety and health procedures that relate to their responsibilities as public sector employees.

    Duration

    ½ Day

    Proposed Course Dates

    October 24, 2019

    Course Loading

    100

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    All public officers

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the seminar, participants should be able to:

    • Discuss the Safety and Health at Work Act, Cap 356 as it applies to their place of work

    • Explain the concept of risk assessment and how it is used to prevent accidents

    • Identify the factors impacting on indoor air qualtiy

     

    Course Content

     
    • Introduction to SHaW Act, Cap 356

    • Risk Assessment and Accident prevention

    • Managing Indoor Air Quality

    • <
     

    ‣ Seminar – Understanding Misconduct

    Course Number:ISS0106
    AimTo provide public officers with the opportunity to discuss the different categories of misconduct in the public service and understand how each category is to be investigated.

    Duration

    ½ Day

    Proposed Course Dates

    November 5, 2019

    Course Loading

    100

    Pre-requisite

    None

    Target Group

    All public officers

    Course Objectives

    At the end of the seminar, participants should be able to:

    • Define misconduct

    • Explain the difference between misconduct of a serious nature and misconduct of a minor nature

    • Discuss the steps involved in investigating misconduct in the Public Service

     

    Course Content

     
    • Behaviours which constitute misconduct

    • Penalties for misconduct

    • Process for adjudicating misconduct of a minor nature

    • Process for adjudicating misconduct of a serious nature