As a result of workforce analysis, EQC senior leadership (spearheaded by R. Lewis Shaw, Deputy Commissioner) recognized the potential loss of a significant number of senior staff by 2006. The loss of this level of experience and expertise in a short period of time could have a detrimental effect on EQC programs. EQC recognized the need for staff with multi-program experience, good managers, and staff with strong technical skills. A capacity-building process was instituted to assist staff to consider the career path they wished to follow and to provide developmental feedback and learning opportunities in support of their career goals and agency needs. Those learning opportunities included gaining experience/exposure to other programs and geographical areas as well as formal training programs.
The capacity building program was developed by a committee that included representatives from DHEC’s EQC, HRM, and HRD functions. The committee was chaired by Bill Galardi, Asst. Bureau Chief, Bureau of Air Quality.
The capacity building initiative included:
A pilot group of 24 participants have now completed the 3-month program, and a second group of participants are now involved in the process. If successful, the process may be replicated where appropriate throughout other program areas of DHEC.
Contact Linda Patton (803/896-8969) for more information concerning the Capacity Building Initiative.