A workshop on Tools and Techniques for Effective Stakeholder Engagement was held at the Office of the Public Service Commission (P.S.C) last week. 

This was to address the development of stakeholder’s engagement skills and support career development identified by P.S.C, as one of the training needs required for the various government Ministries and Corporations in the public sector.

Nineteen participants invited from the various government Ministries were capacity built on Stakeholder’s Engagement skills, with five key themes highlighted including:

• Understand the factors shaping stakeholder engagement

• Examine why and how ‘Culture’ can impact on engagement outcomes

• Describe engaging: the why, the what, the who, and the how

• Identify when not to engage

• Explore emerging approaches and techniques

Leulu Maoa’e Tonuga, Public Relation Officer from the Office of Electoral Commission delivered the thank you speech on behalf of the participants. 

He acknowledged with appreciation the new knowledge and skills acquired during the one-week training, which they will apply in their respective work places.

“The course has achieved its aim by exploring and practicing using a range of tools and techniques for including internal and external stakeholders that is meaningful for them and useful for you,” he said. 

“People want and need to be empowered as decisions are made. Every organisation wants to have the reputation of being transparent, accountable and willing to listen.” 

“Opening up the communications between organisations and their stakeholders will also enhance the understanding of the role of your organisation and promotes a sense of belonging within a vibrant community.” 

“Through the application of personal insight and workplace feedback they understand their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement; building capacity both within themselves and those they lead.”

The Tools and Techniques for Effective Stakeholders Engagement training was conducted by John Ross (Taking Action PTY Ltd, Australia) with Angela Palu-Phineas, Principal Training and Development Consultant Officer as the Co-Trainer.

This training was funded by the Samoa in Country Training Programme (S.I.C.T.P.) under the Oloamanu Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Education (O.C.P.D.C.E.,) of the National University of Samoa (N.U.S).

Saliloimanatu Margraff, A.C.E.O of the Public Service Commission for the Human Resource and Management Division, in the presentation of Certificates for the Participants confirmed the current Recognition of all S.I.C.T.P courses under Non Formal Learning by the Samoa Qualifications Authority (S.Q.A).

She also acknowledged the support of the government of Samoa and the Development Partners (NZMFAT & DFAT), through the continuation of this vital Customer Service Capacity Building initiative for all sectors in Samoa, under the Education Sector Support Programme (E.S.S.P) 2015 - 2018.