If the claims of the aggrieved staff are a correct reflection of the internal situation within the Barbados Probation Department it gives rise to concerns in relation to the standard of the Governance framework within this critical branch of the criminal justice system within Barbados.
The fundamental need for good corporate governance was highlighted during the 2007 – 2008/9 international financial crisis. In the aftermath of these events it is important that time is spent to understand the various themes that eliminate from these events and where appropriate apply the lessons learnt from these events in the strengthening of frameworks whether it is Government, Regulator, bank, financial institution or entrepreneur.
The need for effective governance and compliance frameworks is by no means limited to the financial sector of the economy. It is an essential requirement that is needed in all socio-economic spheres of the country. A positive approach to governance will assist in the prudent management of the entity and by extension contributes towards the maintenance of social and economic order and stability within Barbados and enhance its Brand.
One could, however, in pursuit of the appropriate governance structure miss the fundamental ingredient, Our people. Human capital is the most important asset of a firm the authorities therefore should be committed to ensuring that there are robust mechanisms in place to manage the selection, recruitment, induction and ongoing assessment of competence. It is also vital that these processes are transparent and without bias.
Further consideration of the grievances aired by the Probation department staff causes one to wonder what oversight and control structures are in place within this department and how can the accountable person(s) justify staff having no appraisals for 11 years.? How were the strategic objectives cascaded and monitored? With apparent failures in this process how can they now transparently evidence the process by which they are making the new staffing decisions?
Without effective corporate governance in the Barbados Probation Department how can Government gain assurance that this critical branch of the criminal justice system remains fit for purpose?
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