About Human Resources
The Human Resources Department is responsible for supporting the workforce of the Parliament of The Bahamas.
People are at the heart of Parliament’s daily operations. From parliamentary officers and administrative personnel to technical, professional and support staff, employees across the institution contribute to the effective functioning of the institution.
Human Resources supports employees throughout their employment journey, from recruitment and onboarding to professional development, employee relations and separation from service.
The Department also works with managers and supervisors to support effective workforce administration and the application of relevant policies and procedures.
Our Role
The Human Resources Department supports the administration and development of Parliament’s workforce.
Its responsibilities may include:
- Recruitment and staffing
- Employee onboarding
- Personnel administration
- Employee records
- Leave administration
- Staff development and training
- Performance management
- Employee relations
- Workplace policies and procedures
- Staff welfare and engagement
- Career development
- Workforce planning
- Employee communications
- Human resource advice and support
Recruitment & Employment
Building the Parliamentary Workforce
Human Resources supports the recruitment and appointment process for positions within the Parliament in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and requirements.
Recruitment activities may include:
Workforce Needs
Working with relevant managers and departments to identify staffing requirements.
Job Descriptions
Supporting the development and maintenance of position descriptions.
Vacancy Announcements
Coordinating approved employment opportunities and vacancy information.
Applications
Receiving and administering employment applications in accordance with established procedures.
Selection
Supporting the appropriate selection and appointment process.
Appointment
Facilitating the administrative requirements associated with successful appointments.
Employment opportunities should be published through the Parliament’s approved recruitment channels when positions are available.
Joining Parliament
Welcome to the Parliamentary Service
Starting a new position is an important step for every employee.
Human Resources supports new employees through the onboarding process and helps them become familiar with the institution, their role and the workplace.
New employee orientation may include information about:
- Parliament and its structure
- The employee’s department
- Position responsibilities
- Workplace policies
- Terms and conditions of employment
- Working hours
- Leave procedures
- Employee benefits
- Workplace expectations
- Health and safety
- Information technology
- Confidentiality and professional conduct
Employee Services
Supporting Employees Throughout Their Journey
Human Resources provides administrative and support services throughout an employee’s time with Parliament.
Services may include assistance with:
- Personnel records
- Employment documentation
- Leave requests
- Staff identification
- Employment verification
- Changes to employee information
- Training requests
- Workplace policies
- Employee enquiries
Employees should contact Human Resources for guidance concerning matters within the Department’s area of responsibility.
Employee Records
Maintaining Accurate Personnel Information
Human Resources maintains official employee records in accordance with applicable requirements and internal procedures.
Personnel information may include:
- Employment documentation
- Position information
- Appointment records
- Training and development records
- Performance documentation
- Leave information
- Other authorized employment records
Employee information should be handled appropriately and accessed only by authorized persons.
Employees should notify Human Resources when relevant personal or employment information requires updating.
Leave Administration
Managing Employee Leave
Human Resources supports the administration of employee leave in accordance with applicable policies, terms and conditions of employment.
Leave categories may include, where applicable:
- Vacation leave
- Sick leave
- Maternity or parental leave
- Bereavement leave
- Study leave
- Special leave
- Other approved leave
Employees should follow the established leave application and approval process.
Specific leave entitlements and procedures should be stated in accordance with the applicable legislation, employment terms and Parliament’s approved policies.
Learning & Development
Investing in Our People
Professional development helps employees build the knowledge and skills required to perform their roles effectively.
Human Resources may coordinate or support:
- Staff training
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Professional development programmes
- Orientation programmes
- Continuing education
- Skills development
- Leadership development
- Career development
Training needs may be identified through departmental requirements, employee development plans and performance discussions.
Performance Management
Supporting Professional Growth
Performance management provides a structured approach for employees and supervisors to discuss responsibilities, expectations, achievements and areas for development.
Human Resources may support managers and employees with:
- Performance planning
- Goal setting
- Performance reviews
- Employee development
- Performance documentation
- Improvement plans
- Supervisory guidance
The objective is to encourage clear expectations, constructive feedback and continuous professional development.
Employee Relations
A Professional Workplace
Human Resources supports a professional working environment where employees can raise workplace concerns and seek appropriate guidance.
The Department may assist with:
- Workplace concerns
- Employee grievances
- Conflict resolution
- Disciplinary processes
- Workplace conduct
- Policy interpretation
- Manager and employee guidance
- Employment-related enquiries
Matters are handled in accordance with applicable laws, employment terms and established parliamentary policies and procedures.
Workplace Policies
Understanding Your Responsibilities
Human Resources helps communicate and administer policies that govern important aspects of the employee experience.
Employees may receive guidance concerning:
- Workplace conduct
- Punctuality
- Leave
- Performance
- Professional standards
- Confidentiality
- Employee responsibilities
- Workplace procedures
- Health and safety
- Use of institutional resources
Employees are responsible for familiarizing themselves with policies and procedures applicable to their employment.
Employee Welfare & Engagement
Supporting a Positive Workplace
A healthy and respectful workplace contributes to employee well-being, productivity and engagement.
Human Resources may support initiatives designed to encourage:
- Staff engagement
- Employee recognition
- Team development
- Workplace wellness
- Staff activities
- Professional relationships
- Open communication
- A respectful workplace culture
These initiatives may be developed in collaboration with parliamentary departments and staff representatives where appropriate.
Staff Communications
Keeping Employees Informed
Human Resources communicates important employment-related information to parliamentary staff.
This includes:
- HR notices
- Policy updates
- Training opportunities
- Staff programmes
- Important deadlines
- Employee reminders
- Workplace announcements
- Staff events
Official HR communications should provide employees with clear information about applicable procedures and requirements.
Employee Benefits
Supporting Your Employment Experience
Human Resources may provide information and administrative support concerning employee benefits and programmes available to eligible staff.
Depending on applicable employment terms and policies, this may include information concerning:
- Leave benefits
- Health-related benefits
- Pension or retirement arrangements
- Staff development
- Employee assistance programmes
- Other employment benefits
Employees should contact Human Resources for current information concerning eligibility and applicable terms.
Health, Safety & Workplace Well-Being
A Safe and Respectful Workplace
Human Resources may work with relevant departments and authorities to support workplace health, safety and employee well-being.
Employees are encouraged to:
- Follow workplace safety procedures
- Report workplace hazards
- Follow emergency procedures
- Maintain professional conduct
- Respect colleagues
- Use workplace equipment appropriately
- Report concerns through the appropriate channels
Specific occupational health and safety responsibilities should be presented in accordance with the Parliament’s established policies and applicable law.
Career Development
Growing Within Parliament
Human Resources supports employees in developing their professional knowledge and capabilities.
Career development may include:
- Training opportunities
- Professional certifications
- Skills development
- Mentoring
- Increased responsibilities
- Leadership development
- Internal career opportunities
Employees are encouraged to discuss professional development goals with their supervisors and Human Resources.
Human Resources Process
Supporting the Employee Journey
01 — RECRUIT
Identify staffing needs and support approved recruitment processes.
02 — WELCOME
Assist new employees through onboarding and orientation.
03 — SUPPORT
Provide ongoing employee services and HR guidance.
04 — DEVELOP
Support training, learning and professional development.
05 — REVIEW
Support performance management and employee development.
06 — ENGAGE
Promote communication, employee engagement and workplace initiatives.
07 — TRANSITION
Provide appropriate administrative support when employees transfer, retire or leave Parliament.
Working Across Parliament
Human Resources works with departments and managers throughout the parliamentary institution.
The Department may collaborate with:
Office of the Clerk
On institutional staffing and administrative matters.
Finance & Administration
On matters involving employee administration, benefits and related financial processes.
Information Technology
On employee access, systems and technology requirements.
Communications & Public Relations
On staff communications and internal information.
Department Heads & Supervisors
On recruitment, performance, training, employee relations and workforce requirements.
The Human Resources Team
Supporting Parliament’s Employees
The Human Resources Department is supported by professionals responsible for the administration and delivery of human resource services.
Depending on the Parliament’s approved organizational structure, the team may include:
Human Resources Manager / Head of Human Resources
Provides leadership and oversight for the Department’s human resource functions.
Human Resources Officer
Supports employee administration, recruitment, records and HR services.
HR Administrative Support
Assists with employee documentation, correspondence, records and day-to-day HR administration.
Training & Development Support
Coordinates or assists with employee training and professional development initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a position with Parliament?
Employment opportunities should be advertised through the Parliament’s approved recruitment channels when vacancies are available.
How do I request vacation leave?
Employees should submit leave requests through the established parliamentary leave process.
Who should I contact about my employee records?
Contact Human Resources for assistance with personnel records and employment information.
Where can I find information about staff policies?
Employees should refer to the applicable employee handbook, HR policies and official internal communications.
Does Human Resources handle employee training?
Human Resources may coordinate and support training and professional development opportunities for employees.
Who should I speak with about a workplace concern?
Employees may contact Human Resources through the appropriate internal process for guidance concerning employment-related workplace matters.
Does HR manage payroll?
Payroll responsibilities should be identified according to the Parliament’s approved organizational structure and financial procedures.
OUR PEOPLE. OUR PARLIAMENT.
The Human Resources Department supports the people who make the work of Parliament possible by providing professional human resource services throughout the employee journey.