2.7 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF CERTIFIED SECRETARIES AND GOVERNANCE AUDITORS IN MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT; AND
Certified secretaries:
Certified Secretaries are professionals who have attained the certification and licensing required to hold senior management positions in both the public and private sectors. In the context of government management, certified secretaries have diverse responsibilities, including:
- Policy formulation and implementation: Certified Secretaries contribute to policy formulation by providing expertise and advice to government agencies.
- Administrative leadership: They oversee the day-to-day operations, manage resources, and ensure effective implementation of programs and services. They also foster a culture of efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the organization.
- Financial management: They develop and manage budgets, ensure proper financial reporting and compliance, and make sound financial decisions to optimize resource allocation.
- Stakeholder engagement: Certified Secretaries engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, regulatory bodies, community groups, and the public. They build and maintain relationships, promote collaboration, and address stakeholder concerns.
- Compliance and risk management: Certified Secretaries ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. They establish and implement internal control mechanisms, risk management frameworks, and ethical standards to mitigate risks and promote good governance.
Governance auditors
Governance Auditors are professionals who specialize in evaluating and assessing the governance processes and practices of organizations, including government entities. Their role in the management of government includes:
- Audit and evaluation: Governance Auditors conduct audits and evaluations of government agencies to assess compliance, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in governance practices. They review policies, processes, and controls to identify areas for improvement and recommend corrective actions.
- Risk assessment: They identify vulnerabilities, evaluate control mechanisms, and make recommendations to mitigate risks and strengthen governance frameworks.
- Compliance monitoring: They ensure adherence to ethical standards, governance codes, and best practices. They provide guidance on compliance requirements and promote accountability within government agencies.
- Reporting and communication: Governance Auditors prepare reports detailing their findings, conclusions, and recommendations. They communicate their assessments to management, governing bodies, and relevant stakeholders. They play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust.
- Capacity building: Governance Auditors may provide training and capacity-building programs to government officials, helping them understand and implement good governance practices. They raise awareness about governance standards, promote knowledge sharing, and build internal audit capabilities within government agencies.