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Acting Finance Manager at Her Majesty Prison’s Service, Kerrilyn Rivers, secured a Chief Officer’s Choice (COC) Award for Fostering Effective Communications for December 2018.

Ms Rivers is no stranger to producing excellent results, as this is her second go-round with Deputy Governor’s Award Programme, having received an Employee of the Month in June 2016 for being Most Efficient.

Recently seconded to HMCIPS from the Ministry Financial Services & Home Affairs (MFSHA), Ms Rivers began her Civil Service career in 2001. She steadily progressed, receiving five promotions from the time she started in the Service – from temporary Office Assistant II in 2001 to Clerical Officer II three months later. In 2003 Ms Rivers was promoted to Executive Officer II, and in November 2006 she was again promoted to Accounts Officer I in the Ministry of Tourism and transferred to MFSHA 2015.

Ms Rivers declared she was honored to have been nominated and selected for this prestigious award. I work really hard, not for recognition or reward, although that is a nice byproduct, but because I take pride in the work that I do and I want to do my part in making the Civil Service great!”

She noted that the new position opens up a world of opportunities and experiences that she is planning on utilising as stepping stones for further professional and personal growth and development.

“I believe that I have contributed significantly to important changes at the Prison Service since I was assigned there. Working at the department level has certainly broadened my perspective of public service finance management and I was able to share the broader Ministry-level concerns. Working closely with the Ministry Team, we have managed to achieve several targets for the Prison and through continued accountability and collaboration it will result in further successes,” she added.

“The Prison Service already employs world class personnel, we just need to continue fine tuning the departments’ processes in order to achieve similar distinction for its operations.  I believe that is my role,” Ms Rivers said.

HMCIPS Prison Director Steve Barrett, who nominated Ms Rivers, sang her praises as he filled out the categories on the DGAP nomination form.

He noted that Kerrilyn developed a monthly financial performance presentation which led to senior managers being able to focus on budget areas where overspending was likely and where corrective actions are required.

Mr Barrett cited other examples of how Ms Rivers stepped into the role that changed the way the Prison operates. “Kerrilyn, who is supported by our exceptional colleagues within the Ministry Finance team, provides regular correspondence to me as to overall financial performance and areas of compliance (and non-compliance).”

“One particular example of this communication leading to operational change was in respect to our food budget, which we usually overspend. Kerrilyn’s input enabled us to move to an alternative system of menu selection which has reduced overspending considerably,” he explained.

MFSHA Chief Officer Dax Basdeo said that as a result of Ms Rivers’ diligence by providing real-time information and constant feedback, managers’ knowledge of HMCIPS finances have improved our internal environment and as a result, sustain more effective routes for engaging with prisoners.

“Her close monitoring of the finances and strong communication with managers enables us to reduce budget overspending by approximately $1M,” he added.