News

Since early May, the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development (MIISD) has undertaken detailed work to identify improvements that can assist the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) deliver financial assistance more efficiently to the most vulnerable in the Cayman Islands.

This work has identified critical policy and legislative reforms to be undertaken by Government. In the more immediate term, the Ministry has prioritised the overarching need to modernise the NAU with streamlined processes and infrastructure, for the benefit of members of the public who seek financial assistance.

In June and July, the Ministry’s eGovernment Unit spent considerable time working alongside the NAU staff, which led to a series of recommendations for enhancing their workflow processes and interactions with NAU clients.

Ian Tibbetts, Director of eGovernment within the Ministry, observed “The Needs Assessment Unit and the eGovernment Unit have developed a project plan for short-term changes to improve the experience of persons seeking financial assistance through the NAU. The project is being delivered by the eGovernment Unit in phases and will equip the NAU to serve its clients better.”

Tibbetts explained that the first phase of this work was the launch of a new website, which designed for use from PCs, tablets and mobile devices that makes it easy for persons to understand how the NAU can assist and if they are eligible for the assistance. For example, the website now makes application requirements easily visible and more accessible for those who are seeking assistance. This includes a simplified fillable application form which can be downloaded and submitted. Additional functionality will be rolled out in the next phase, to create further ease of use by those seeking assistance and simultaneously to streamline the NAU’s internal processes.

“The Unit is grateful for this collaboration, with an attractive and user-friendly website to make information more readily available to our clients,” said Tamara Hurlston, Director of the Needs Assessment Unit. “We look forward to working with eGovernment on the next phase, and are grateful for their expertise in people, processes and technology.”

The Hon. Minister for MIISD, André Ebanks, commended the initiative, stating:

‘‘Social development is a priority of the PACT Government, and I am delighted that the Ministry has responded promptly, applying the innovative expertise of the eGovernment Unit to provide the Needs Assessment Unit with a more modern, efficient and streamlined digital infrastructure for the benefit of both its clients and staff as well as a phased project plan to achieve the same; while the Ministry concurrently prepares strategic policy and legislative reforms.”