After several weeks of intensive planning, work is being finalised to bring together Human Resource staff across Isle of Man Government into one shared HR unit based at St Andrew’s House in Finch Road. Newly named the Office of Human Resources, the unit will be responsible for recruitment, redeployment and employee relations for the various Departments, Boards and Offices. The move, which follows a similar centralisation of finance functions, is part of Government’s Transforming Government programme and is aimed at providing greater efficiency and effectiveness. Chief Officer, Jon Callister is leading work to combine the different HR functions from across Government from 1st April 2011. The initial move will involve the Personnel Office and the HR sections from the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, Department of Health and Department of Social Care to be shortly followed by staff from other areas. Commenting on the move, Jon said: ‘This is a particularly exciting and challenging time for HR in Government, which needs a strong and resilient HR community to support the management of workforce reforms. I am fortunate to have a highly professional team and look forward to working with them in achieving our goals.’ The move is welcomed by Council of Ministers who first approved the plan in 2010. Chief Minister, Hon Tony Brown said: ‘The Transforming Government project is a central part of our strategy in making Government fit for purpose in 21st century. Key to this is ensuring that professional services are provided in a streamlined and cost effective way. The new Office of Human Resources will play a vital role in helping Government to deliver its change agenda in the coming months and years.’ ENDS