ANNUAL REPORT - Marine Institute Open Access Repository

Marine Institute Annual Report 2008
Corporate Services
Director’s Statement
Our focus in 2008 was strongly on
organisational efficiencies and cost savings,
while maximising value for money to our
stakeholders through a customer focussed
service with an emphasis on high quality
service delivery, innovation and strong
corporate governance. Highlights of 2008
included:
› The publication of the Marine Institute’s first Human Resources
Charter. This was developed in partnership with management and
staff of the Institute and presents a best practice approach with clear
and measurable goals for the next five years.
› The positive profile of the Marine Institute and the Sea Change
strategy was communicated with important stakeholders through a
vigorous media campaign culminating in significant coverage on both
radio and the print media.
› A five-year plan to develop the “Explorers” marine education
programme for primary schools commenced in 2008 supported by
the now annual five-day primary teacher training course on marine
subjects held at the Institute’s Oranmore headquarters in July.
› The implementation of a human resource, pensions and payroll
management information system which will deliver faster, more
accurate and more user friendly systems for both staff and
management.
› Efficiencies continued to be achieved through the award of key
contracts through tender processes resulting in significant savings
that were reinvested in core programmes.
Ms. Caroline Hepburn
Director: Corporate Services
Finance
Efficiencies, value for money and strong corporate governance remained
key corporate objectives of the finance department, with all internal
audits indicating a strong focus on adherence to public procurement
procedures. The production of the annual financial accounts together
with the continued delivery of best practice support, assistance and
management information to staff, management and the Board to
support the goals of the Marine Institute were an important focus. The
joint implementation of a pensions and payroll management information
system with the Human Resource team was an important and timely
investment.
Facilities
The Facilities team, located in Galway, Newport and Dublin, continued to
effectively manage the daily operations throughout the different offices
and laboratories with in excess of 32,000 incoming telephone queries.
Facilities operating procedures were reviewed in response to the increase
in services provided to staff, to undertake additional administrative
duties which created a more efficient working environment for others
and to make savings in the services purchased.
Cost efficiencies were gained through the tendering and award of
contracts for the supply of mechanical and electrical services, electricity,
consumables and specialist contractors. An energy review was
undertaken and plant and equipment operating times have been altered
to maximise energy efficiency. New systems have been introduced to
recover heat loss and reduce energy consumption as much as possible.
Library Services
The library focussed on utilising the capacity of the new library
management system to enhance the administration and management
of core library functions and to improve the quality of services to our
users. A comprehensive stock-take of the 6,000 book collection was
undertaken which delivers a measure of quality control to our library
collection, ensuring that only up-to-date material remains on the
library book shelves and relevant historic reports and documents are
catalogued and stored in the Archives. As a result of the new system and
improved catalogue management, staff are now facilitated with 24-hour
online access to the library catalogue.
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