No Entrance Exams for
The next Six Months
The St Helena Government Administration has decided that mature candidates will not be required to sit entrance exams for the next six months if they are applying for established posts within the St Helena Government.
Previously, applicants were required to sit entrance exams if they did not have a GCSE or higher certificate in Maths and English at grades C or above. The entrance exam required applicants to answer questions on Arithmetic, English and General Knowledge.
Barbara George, Chief Personnel Officer said: "it was felt that some measure should be put into place to attract the more mature candidates who apparently shy away from applying for posts in SHG because of having to sit an entrance examination."
With the on going problem of staff attrition, SHG is trying its utmost to attract suitable candidates as there are still a number of vacancies in SHG that are not being filled. Instead of having to sit an entrance exam, mature persons without the relevant qualifications will be employed without sitting the exam, if they are considered suitable.
Barbara explained that: "after six months in post, the Head of Department will assess the suitability of the person in relation to the c
ompetencies for the post." If the Head of Department feels that the person is competent, he/she will remain in post.This change in policy will operate for a six month trial period in the first instance.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
7 May 2003
