Advisory Council analysed planning and modernisation of Azores’ Public Administration - Communication

Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública

The Regional Public Administration Advisory Council met today in Ponta Delgada for a session dedicated to analysing key issues concerning human resources management, the organisation of work and increased responsiveness of regional public services.

The meeting, chaired by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, had as its main agenda items the presentation of the conclusions on the Planning and Modernisation of the Regional Public Administration of the Azores and a progress report on the pilot project introducing the four-day working week.

Duarte Freitas emphasised that the presentations reflect “an integrated approach to regional public administration, which focuses on people, the organisation of services and the need to prepare, in advance, the responses the Region will have to provide in the coming years.”

As part of the Planning and Modernisation of the Regional Public Administration of the Azores, the conclusions of the work carried out were presented, with a particular focus on identifying future needs of services, the gradual renewal of the workforce, the strengthening of skills, and the importance of forward-looking human resources management.

“We cannot manage the public administration solely based on immediate needs. We must anticipate scenarios, plan for the replacement of critical skills and ensure that services continue to have the technical capacity to respond to citizens, businesses and the challenges of regional governance,” stated the Regional Secretary.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to assess the four-day working week pilot project, as part of a wider reflection on new ways of organising work, work-life balance, productivity and the quality of public service.

According to the Regional Secretary, “the discussion on working models must be conducted responsibly, assessing impacts, listening to departments and ensuring that any developments in this area are always based on the continued quality and efficiency of public service.”

The Regional Secretary also highlighted the role of the Advisory Council as a space for consultation, sharing and monitoring of public policies aimed at Regional Public Administration workers and services.

“The challenges that lie ahead require planning, responsibility and commitment. The Regional Public Administration must continue to evolve, valuing its staff, adapting the organisation of work and enhancing the quality of the services provided to Azorean citizens,” he concluded.

The meeting was attended by Public Administration union representatives and Regional Government representatives who make up this advisory body, creating a space for institutional dialogue on matters relevant to the present and future of the Regional Public Administration.