Newly appointed Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe has reported for duty in the Deputy Governor’s Office.

At her introductory day on August 15, Mrs. Stoutt-Igwe said her immediate areas of focus are succession planning, capacity building, reinforcing administrative systems and the release of official information on public sector appointments.

She stated, “It is with pleasure that I take up this role and join a dynamic, results-driven team.  I look forward to further utilising my skills, talents and knowledge to the benefit of the public service.”

Mrs. Stoutt-Igwe, whose background includes office administration, highlighted the need for strengthening basic administrative systems across Government.  These she said include records management, office procedures and the development of standard operating procedures for Government processes.

The Acting Permanent Secretary stated that she is keen on seeing the Deputy Governor’s Office take the lead role in announcing senior public sector appointments to ensure that vital information is released. She added that important areas of concern also include confidentiality within the public service and the need to improve the public’s perception of the service.

Mrs. Stoutt-Igwe is currently conducting a mid-year review of the work plans for the departments and units under the Governor’s Group with an eye to chart the way forward for the balance of the year.

As Acting Permanent Secretary, she will serve as the chief advisor to the Deputy Governor on the management, leadership and execution of subjects that are within the Deputy Governor’s portfolio.

Additionally, she will oversee the overall coordination and management of the Office and ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with Government’s policies and procedures. Her role also includes exercising broad policy oversight over all departments and units within the Governor’s group and overseeing and coordinating the budget submission of all departments within the Governor’s group.

Mrs. Stoutt-Igwe has risen from Clerical Trainee in the Passport Office to her current position since joining the public service in 1983. She previously served as the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor (1989 to 1992), Private Secretary to the Chief Minister (2003 to 2005), Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office (2007 to 2009), Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development (2009 to 2015) and her most recent appointment as Executive Private Secretary in the Governor’s Office.

Mrs. Stoutt-Igwe attained a Master of Public Service and Administration degree in May 2007 from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A & M University having previously obtained an Associate’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Office Assistance and Administration and Christian Education, respectively. She also holds a Level 7 Executive Diploma in Strategic Management.