Restructuring & Modernising Ministries
Overview
Ministries often carry structures, mandates and procedures that no longer match what citizens and governments need. This programme gives senior officials a practical method to review a ministry's mandate and organisation, remove overlaps, redesign structures and lead a modernisation programme that delivers better services with the resources available.
Who should attend
Ministers' offices, deputy ministers, directors general, planning and organisational development directors, and reform unit staff.
Training methodology
Interactive presentations, regional and international public sector experiences, case studies, group work on participants' own institutions, practical exercises, and an action plan for each participant's entity.
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Review a ministry's mandate, functions and services
- Identify overlaps, gaps and duplication between units
- Design structures that support clear accountability
- Plan and sequence a modernisation programme
- Lead change and engage staff during restructuring
Course outline
Day 1Why Ministries Need Modernisation
- Pressures on government institutions
- Signs of an outdated structure
- International reform experiences
- Principles of good public organisation
- Diagnostic discussion
Day 2Mandate and Functional Review
- Legal mandate and policy role
- Mapping functions and services
- Core versus non-core functions
- Overlaps with other entities
- Functional review exercise
Day 3Designing the Structure
- Organisation design options
- Spans of control and levels
- Central versus regional units
- Job families and staffing
- Structure design workshop
Day 4Processes, Systems and People
- Simplifying key procedures
- Delegation of authority
- Information systems needs
- Staff placement and redeployment
- Managing surplus fairly
Day 5Leading the Modernisation Programme
- Programme governance and phasing
- Communication with staff and public
- Quick wins and long-term reforms
- Monitoring results
- Action plan for your ministry
