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Richard Gellor - Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services
RICHARD GELLOR, BA (HON), PMP
Following more than 20 years in the private sector, Richard Gellor has been with the B.C. government for just over three years. Initially in purchasing services for Shared Services BC, he is now Program Consulting Manager for Accommodation and Real Estate Services in the B.C. Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services. He graduated from the PCMP in October 2008, and we interviewed him in December 2008 in Victoria.
The wisdom of a consolidated framework
When you're dealing with everybody in the province, one way to get an understanding of how the business is run in totality is through some consolidated framework of training. The PCMP establishes that framework. The added value is you get to work with classmates from across the province who are working in different ministries and have different perspectives. That's invaluable.
As you get away from the central locations of government, it gets harder for people to have and apply consistent procurement and contract management. The PCMP helps give them that information that they wouldn't see as easily.
Strengthening the profession
The PCMP definitely raises the bar for the entire public service. It has raised the level of awareness, given people a common understanding in different ministries and strengthened the whole profession. It has opened doors up for those participating that wouldn't otherwise be there. Basically being recognized for actively being involved, spending time with their profession, investing in themselves - which is a commitment in its own right.
I always believe that you can learn something even if you've been practising it for many years. For new people entering, it builds up the framework and understanding for the profession. For anyone in the profession who is relearning how the government works, it allows them to then share their experience and put it in perspective with the framework. Other jurisdictions would definitely benefit from the PCMP.
Helping understand client needs
I most valued the perspective from other ministries on how they do business. And understanding, from the shared-services point of view, my clients' points of view.
Over the next five to 10 years, we're going to have a major change in the number of employees in the province, with retirements and other changes. One of the things you want to do is hold onto knowledge workers. And one of the things that the B.C. public sector has going for it, versus the private sector, is the positive support for further education through courses like PCMP which build value in employees. You may not get that to the same degree in the private sector.
Richard Gellor
B.C. Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services
(250) 952-4828