Commonwealth Secretariat official recognised for excellence in public administration

John Wilkins, a senior Commonwealth Secretariat official involved in promoting public sector development, has been awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Medal for Excellence in Public Administration 2009 by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada.

Mr Wilkins, who heads the Thematic Programmes Group at the Governance and Institutional Development Division (GIDD) of the Secretariat, was presented the award on 11 December at City Hall in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

The award recognises the exceptional achievements of a person who has shown distinctive leadership or who, by writings or other endeavours, has made a significant contribution in the field of public administration. The award pays tribute to public sector practitioners whose careers exhibit the highest standard of excellence, dedication and accomplishment.

Mr Wilkins is responsible for advancing Commonwealth mandates and country needs in public sector development by enabling governments to build capacity, strengthen institutions, and improve service. Prior to his employment at the Secretariat in 2005, Mr Wilkins had championed innovation while serving as Special Adviser on Governance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

His key accomplishments included reforming the alternative service delivery policy suite, building a community of practice and inculcating an innovative vision and strategy for good governance in the Government of Canada.

In citation of Mr Wilkins’ accomplishments, he was described as having “demonstrated vision, leadership and conviction in seeking out innovative solutions to complex issues of public policy. John’s playing field has been local, national and global – as a manager, consultant and teacher.”

Jacqueline Wilson, Director of GIDD, who endorsed Mr Wilkins’ nomination for the award, said: “I have always been impressed by John’s deep interest and commitment to public sector development in the Commonwealth. He brings to the table a clear understanding of the public administration discipline, as well as the imperative for integrated service delivery in the context of sound public policy.

“John is highly considered by his peers and by senior management of the Commonwealth Secretariat as an advanced thinker in the field and one who willingly and unstintingly contributes significantly to promoting the cause of building capacity and ensuring sustainability in the emerging nations of the Commonwealth.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr Wilkins, a Canadian national, said: “Growing complexity, not just rapid change, is causing us to rethink and redouble our efforts in public sector reform. There are mounting pressures on governments to reform their structures and processes to achieve excellence, responsiveness and integrity in public service. Politicians and public servants alike are the champions of change. Poverty alleviation and sustainable development depend upon placing the people most affected at the centre of decision making and service delivery. A capable public sector is grounded in the principles of good governance. Governments need a professional and apolitical public service, guided by shared values and ethical standards.”

Key Links:

• Public Sector Development

Related News:

• Institute of Public Administration of Canada