Published 19th February 2015, 3:41pm

Recently two appointees began their new posts at the Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP). Mr. Gene Hydes took up duties of Head of Inspections on 1^st January, and Mrs. Clara Smith assumed the post of Assistant Director on 1^st February.

Mr. Gene Hydes is a long-serving member of the Department of Labour and Pensions, prior to which he was with the Department of Employment Relations (DER). Mr. Hydes was a Senior Labour Officer and has been appointed as Head of Inspections following performing the duties in an Acting position for the past four months. Mr. Hydes holds an impressive host of professional certifications and designations in various aspects of occupational safety and health. In November 2014, he obtained a series of certificates from the OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration) Academy in: Occupational Safety and Health Supervision, Specialist, Management, and Professionalism, as well as Safety & Health Committee Team Member and Leader. He has supported and served the Department, clients and community partners with leadership and training, and is a highly respected industry professional.

Mr. Hydes was the first recipient of the Director’s “Employee of the Month/Quarter” in 2013. There is evidence of his influence and achievement throughout the DLP offices, and his E-mail sign-off highlights his commitment to Safety, Training, and Inspections.

Mrs. Clara Smith has over a decade of experience in the public service working most recently as the Appeals and Compliance Analyst for the Information Commission’s Office. Prior to this, she worked for three years at the Portfolio of the Civil Service, previously to which, she held the position of Policy Coordinator for the National Youth Commission. Mrs. Smith commenced her public service career with the Health Service Authority in 2003.

Mrs. Smith’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University, a Postgraduate Diploma from Brunel University and a Graduate Certificate from the University of Florida. Mrs. Smith has also completed a certificate from Cornell University’s ILR School in Labor Leadership Skills and is a certified FOI Practitioner.

In making the announcement, Mr. Mario Ebanks, Director of DLP and Acting Superintendent of Pensions commented, “It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome and congratulate Mr. Hydes and Mrs. Smith on their new appointments. We are continuing to assemble and build the team at the Department, and as we do we are endeavouring to attract people who have a passion for the Department’s vision and mission of delivering high quality services to the public, while abiding by sound values.”

Mr. Christen Suckoo, Acting Chief Officer, Ministry of Education, Employment & Gender Affairs commended the appointments, stating; “These two dedicated and hard working professionals are exemplary civil servants. Their comprehensive education and industry knowledge, as well as their demonstrated leadership, will contribute to further developing the services provided by the DLP.”