Alliance planned to give public workers a voice on workplace issues

A governance professional has outlined plans for workplace reforms in the British Virgin Islands public service following discussions with Acting Governor David Archer.

Stephon Mactavious said the two met on September 21, 2026, and described the conversation as productive. He indicated that several initiatives are in the pipeline to improve conditions for public officers.

Among the planned changes is a renewed push to make the complaints process better known across government departments. An Employee Engagement Survey will also be launched in October 2026 to assess workplace culture, supervisory relationships and the experiences of public officers across ministries.

The 360 Degree Supervisory Feedback process, which already exists in parts of the public service, will be extended to all departments by the end-of-year performance appraisal cycle. This will allow public officers to provide confidential feedback about their supervisors, rather than feedback flowing in one direction only.

Mactavious said Archer proposed establishing an Employees United Alliance, a confidential space where public officers and employees can raise workplace culture issues directly to him without fear of being identified. Mactavious said he intends to develop this idea further.

Mactavious emphasised his role as an independent advocate for workers' concerns, separate from the chain of command. He encouraged public officers to speak up and said he would provide updates on progress as these initiatives move forward.