This morning Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, launched
two Quality Service Charters during a press conference held at the Office of the Notary to
Government in Gozo. These Charters, owned by the said Gozo Office of the Notary to
Government and the Gozo branch of the Passports Office, are the latest of 25 to be
launched within this initiative. In fact, six of the Quality Service Charters launched so
far belong to departments within the Ministry for Gozo.
During the keynote address, Hon Giovanna Debono emphasized the importance of having a
customer focus within the Public Service and the need for efficient and effective services
which keep the needs of the client at the fore of their concerns. She said that the
Quality Service Charters are a valuable tool to departments wanting to maintain a certain
level of service and direction. It is important, she claimed, that a customer-friendly
service is ensured by making use of, amongst others, adequate IT facilities.
With the needs of its customers in mind, the Office of the Notary to Government has
made arrangements to deliver contracts held in the Valletta offices. This was said by the
Acting Director, Dr Mary Debono Borg. Other changes to the service were also made with the
aim of offering a better service, including improvements to the office environment and to
the archive's search facilities.
Ms Frances Pace, Head, Passports Office, mentioned how access to the Common Data Base
has relieved the public of the obligation to provide a birth certificate when applying for
a new passport. Another measure taken towards implementing one-stop-shop service is that
the office will be offering its customers the facility of having their passport photo
taken on the office's premises when submitting their application.