National Archives awarded Public Service Diamond Standard Certification
The Reference and Outreach Department of the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago, Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration, was among the first eleven government agencies to receive the Public Service Diamond Standard Certification at the inaugural Trinidad and Tobago Diamond Standard Award Ceremony held at Queen's Hall on January 21, 2015.
The Diamond Standard certification is the national standard for excellence in citizen service in the Public Service of Trinidad and Tobago. The Diamond Standard Programme is one of the key initiatives within a 10-year programme which was launched by the Ministry of Public Administration in 2012 to modernize the Public Service.
The National Archives is responsible for acquiring, preserving and providing public access to the nation’s documentary heritage, as well as guiding in the management of all government records.
Since its registration to the Diamond Standard Programme in June 2013, the National Archives’ Reference and Outreach Department embarked on an arduous journey of continuous improvement to achieve certification. Through its Service Improvement Plan which covered the eight assessment criteria of the Programme, the Department was able to take steps to improve its service environment, its customer involvement, communications, customer service culture, responsiveness, innovation, technology and partnerships.
The certification is valid for three years, after which the organization will be required to re-apply for certification of its service.
While the Diamond Standard has revolutionized the way the National Archives look at customer service, the organization recognizes that efforts towards continuous improvement are on-going in an environment driven by technology.
Congratulations to the Reference and Outreach Team and keep up the good work!
Avril Belfon, Government Archivist, (second from right) and National Archives’ Diamond Standard Coordinating Team members - (l-r) Susan Williams, Avalon Dougan and Malachi Alexis, receive the Diamond Standard Certification Award at the ceremony on January 21, 2015.