Media

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT (OUR HISTORY)
The Parliamentary and Public Relations Department was originally a Unit known as Public Relations unit in the Department of Library and Information Services with the mandate of promoting the good image of Parliament and raising awareness on the operations of Parliament.

In January, 2022, the Department became autonomous and gained it full departmental status known as the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department. This was achieved after merging it with existing unit like the Protocol unit responsible for the provision of Protocol Services and the establishment of the Parliamentary Relations unit aimed at providing secretariat and administrative support to Sierra Leone Parliamentary Delegations to International Parliaments and Organizations. The Department now has four constituent units, these are:

• The Public Relations Units;
• The Parliamentary Relations Unit;
• The Protocol Service Unit; and
• The Press Gallery Unit.

2. WHO WE ARE & WHY DO WE EXIST?

As custodians of the image and the official mouthpiece of the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Department is endowed with esteem leadership structure aimed at promoting public awareness on the operations of Parliament; maintaining the good image of Parliament; promoting collaboration and strategic planning with other Parliamentary jurisdiction and the provision of quality Protocol Services. These functions are provided with due diligence as and when it is required by the Parliamentary Service Commission and the Parliamentary Service.

3. MANDATE

The mandate of the Department of Parliamentary and Public Relations as established in section 13 of the Parliamentary Service Commission Act of 2007, exists to promote the good image of the Parliament of Sierra Leone and provide information about its functions and activities; to enhance inter-parliamentary engagements across other jurisdictions and ensure the provision of protocol services, and management of the press gallery. As a department, we promote collaboration and team spirit within Parliament, with Ministries, Department and Agencies.

4. CORE VALUES

 Respect for one another
 Timely delivery
 Punctuality
 Result oriented

5. GUILDING PRINCIPLES

As a Department, the under mentioned core values are inherent in our day to day activities:.

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
We demonstrate leadership by example in performing our tasks. Good leadership models promote excellent behavior and must be able to motivate and encourage team members.

PROMOTE INCLUSIVENESS
Communication and engagement with our team members are essential elements to our leadership structure. This promotes immense Interpersonal and professional work relationship. Without being able to communicate your vision with others; leadership will be challenging. As a Department, we have the best possible relationship with each member of the institution. This is not only limited to people in top-level management but also the people who work in the lowest-level positions.

FOCUS ON CHANGE
Transformation is at the Centre of our departmental plan. Our team members fully understand the goals and objectives of the departments and the role they can play in achieving them. Once team members know the direction and changes that need to happen; they may be more willing to work towards them.

PROMOTE DIVERSITY
As a department, we welcome diversity and harness the strengths that it confers on the institution. When everyone has the same background and experience, it means there is a limited field of expertise, but when there are diverse views; you may be able to approach things differently and find fresh perspectives. A diverse workforce encourages innovation and new ideas, which in turn promotes success.

6. OUR SERVICES?

To promote public awareness on the operations of Parliament.
Our focus is to initiate activities that will help to raise public awareness about the operations of Parliament; through the dissemination of press releases, civic education, outreach programmes, oversight visits and reporting on other key activities of the Parliament of Sierra Leone.

Project a good image of Parliament
This is done through activities such as press conferences, radio and TV discussions, and engagements with Civil Societies organisations on the operations of Parliament. The department is well positioned to project a more positive image about Parliament.

Promote collaboration and strategic planning.
Engagements with the key stakeholders on how to achieve the strategic agenda of Parliament is one of the core mandates of our department. The department also undertake extensive external collaboration with various media houses and partners and also internally support other departments through the provision of media advisories and other engagements.

To enhance capacity building and facilitate the provision of quality Protocol services.
The protocol unit plays a very significant role in the delivery of protocol services for parliament.

Provide administrative support to International Parliaments and Organisations..
The Department has experienced parliamentary relations officers providing support for Members of Parliaments to actively participate in International Fora.

6. DEPARTMENTAL ORGANOGRAM
THE PARLIAMENTARY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
STRUCTURE/ORGANOGRAM

DEPARTMENTAL ORGANOGRAM