In the coming years, national leaders in the public sector are prompted to demonstrate bravery and initiate innovative solutions to encounter the substantial stumbling blocks facing the nation. This was communicated to top executives in state agencies by Rosalind Carroll, the chairwoman of the Association of Chiefs Executives of State Agencies in Ireland (Acesa) at their summit in Athlone.
Rosalind Carroll emphasised the necessity for audacity and a willingness to experiment for any meaningful transformation. Carroll, who also oversees the Injuries Resolution Board, asserted that prominent public sector individuals must pioneer in inspiring cross-agency and cross-sector partnerships to create public services that respond to the rapidly altering needs of the population.
Underlining her board’s evolution over two decades, she indicated that although the mission remains unaltered, its execution differs. She prodded the public service sector to continually strive for enhancement. Emphasising this, she affirmed her belief that taking risks is integral in modifying the type of service she delivers.
Ms Carroll also enunciated that accountability was a core belief among senior leaders. She dispelled any apprehensions they held regarding appearances before Oireachtas committees as this was inherent in democratic practices and the public sector’s service to the populace.
She expressed concern, however, about the impact of media-personalised issues or controversies consuming individuals’ lives affecting the calibre of candidates attracted to boardrooms.
The significance of cooperation among state departments was underlined, especially given the invaluable data acquired by the Injuries Resolution Board. The board collects information about all accidents in Ireland leading to claims, of which 50% involve vulnerable road users. Carroll suggested that such data could be invaluable to policymakers in the Road Safety Authority, local governments, or the Department of Transport.