A strategic plan for public service reform came into effect today after being approved by Cabinet.

Cherie Whitter, the Deputy Head of the Public Service, has given up her duties as Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office, and will work full time on implementing reforms.

Ms Whitter will still hold responsibility for the Department of Human Resources which is to become the Department of Employee and Organisational Development.

She will also oversee Management Consulting Services and the contract management for the Public Sector Negotiating Team, as the plan has implications for each.

The announcement came from Derrick Binns, the Head of the Public Service.

Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Lamb, the Commissioner of Corrections, will serve as Acting Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office from today through May 25.

Dr Binns said Colonel Lamb would assume responsibility for the Premier’s Office, which takes reports from the departments of Information and Digital Technologies, ICT Policy and Innovation, and the Business Development Unit.

In addition, Colonel Lamb holds responsibility for the Ministry for the Cabinet Office Head Quarters, Post Office, Office of Project Management and Procurement, Statistics, the Safety and Health Office, and the Department of Communications who report to Walton Brown, the Minister for the Cabinet Office.

Dr Binns added: “The creation of the Public Service Reform Implementation entity will draw from existing resources within the Service and not require additional funds.

“It is expected that as part of the Public Service reform, ultimately savings will be realised as changes to how we operate will impact expenditure.”