The National Assembly Service

The Speaker is the head of the Legislative branch of Government and is the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly. 

The Clerk to the National Assembly is the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the National Assembly Service and the Deputy Clerk is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The Clerk serves as the principal adviser on parliamentary procedures and practices assisted by the Deputy Clerk. In addition, the Clerk, assisted by the Deputy Clerk guides and directs all departments within the National Assembly Service to provide specialist advice in relation to the House’s proceedings and parliamentary support services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Assembly Service is the impartial administrative body headed by the Clerk, who is assisted by a Deputy Clerk. The National Assembly Service provides necessary parliamentary services to allow the Assembly to function properly and efficiently in all matters connected with its procedures and parliamentary practices. The National Assembly Service also organizes the Assembly’s Business and proceedings, and the works undertaken by its Committees and other international Parliamentary Associations.

Office of the Clerk & Deputy Clerk

The Clerk (CEO) is the head of the National Assembly Service and Accounting Officer of the Legislature. The Clerk  is assisted by the Deputy Clerk (Deputy CEO). 

The Clerk of Parliament reports directly to the Speaker of the National Assembly. In the absence of the Clerk, these duties are delegated to the Office of the Deputy Clerk. The National Assembly Service of the Office of the Clerk is composed of a Parliamentary Secretary and a Senior Private Secretary. 

The main duties of the Clerk are broadly procedural and administrative as guided by the Standing Orders and the Constitution of Seychelles, as followed:

• Manages the Business of the House by preparing the Order Paper, processing bills and other Assembly papers before the House.
• Responsible for the recording and official reporting of proceedings of the House and its Committees.
• Authenticate bills passed by the National Assembly before presentation to the President for assent.
• Officiate the Oath of Allegiance taken by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and other Members of the National Assembly.
• Provide administrative support services to the Office of the Speaker, Leaders and other Members.
• Lead and manage staff of the National Assembly Service through the Management Committee.
• Responsible for ensuring quality control and standards, by constant review of systems and procedure to efficiently deliver parliamentary support services.
• Responsible for the Management of all human, material and financial resources of Parliament as the Accounting Officer of the Institution.
• Promote innovative ways of engaging the public in the work of Parliament.
• Represent the National Assembly of Seychelles at relevant national, regional and international forums.

People, Culture and Finance

The Department of People, Culture, and Finance is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment within The National Assembly Service.  This department encompasses two key divisions: the People and Culture Division and the Finance and Accounts Division. The Department of People, Culture, and Finance is dedicated to nurturing a supportive and productive work environment while ensuring the financial stability and integrity of the National Assembly of Seychelles. By integrating the core functions of the People and Culture Division and the Finance and Accounts Division, the department aims to position the National Assembly as a competitive employer of choice and a model of financial efficiency and accountability. 

People and Culture Division 

Formerly known as the Human Resources Division, the People and Culture Division is instrumental in attracting, developing, and retaining a high-performing, inclusive, and diverse workforce. Its core functions include: 

• Talent Acquisition: Implementing strategies to attract top talent and ensuring a diverse and inclusive hiring process. 
• Staff Welfare and Support: Offering professional management and support to help staff achieve their professional and personal goals. 
• Work Environment: Ensuring a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. 
• Retention: Creating a supportive and engaging work environment that motivates employees to stay and grow within the organization. 
• Employee Development: Providing continuous training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of staff. 

The division is also home to the HR and Training Officer, who plays a crucial role in delivering training programs and managing human resources initiatives. The division proudly oversees a workforce comprising of only Seychellois workers, serving in various technical, administrative, and managerial roles. 

For any inquiries related to human resources, please contact us at hr@nationalassembly.sc. 

 

Finance and Accounts Division 

The Finance and Accounts Division is another vital component of the Department of People, Culture, and Finance. Its core functions include: 

 

• Financial Management: Overseeing the financial health of the National Assembly, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources. 
• Budgeting: Developing and managing budgets to support the operational and strategic goals of the National Assembly. 
• Accounting: Maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards. 
• Reporting: Providing timely and accurate financial reports to support decision-making processes. 
• Internal Controls: Implementing and maintaining internal controls to safeguard the National Assembly’s assets and ensure financial integrity. 

For any inquiries related to the accounts, please contact us at finance@nationalassembly.sc. 

Sergeant-at-Arms & Security

The Security Unit is headed by the Sergeant-at-Arms and is responsible for the coordination and provision of security for the whole precinct, visitor facilitation and screening, as well as chamber support.

The Sergeant-at-Arms is assisted by an Assistant Sergeant At Arms. The Sergeant-at-Arms is the Custodian of the “Mace”, which symbolises the authority of the Speaker and inside the House he is the officer who carries out the Orders given by the Speaker. The Sergeant-at-Arms also escorts the Speaker of the National Assembly into and out of the Chamber, while carrying the Mace.

He is empowered to ensure security in the Chamber and execute the Orders given by the Speaker to suspend a Member of Parliament temporarily or to remove the relevant Member from the Chamber for disobeying or disregarding the Standing Orders/Authority of the Speaker. 

In the performance of his duties, the Sergeant-at-Arms occupies a special place in the Chamber next to the main door.

The mandate of the Security team is as follows:

• To provide a safe and secure environment and infrastructure throughout the Parliament by ensuring that the risk from violence, accident and fire for those who work in and visit the Parliament is managed and minimized.
• To maintain the physical security of the Parliament and its precincts effectively and efficiently and provide advice on protective security for the Members, Staff and Visitors within the Parliamentary Precincts.
• To maintain order within the Precincts of Parliament.
• To ensure that appropriate security checks are undertaken for the granting of security clearance.

To contact the Sergeant-at-Arms and Security Team, please email us on saa@nationalassembly.sc or security@nationalassembly.sc 

The Hansard

The Hansard Unit listens carefully to every word that is being said by the Members and transcribes them into a document called the ‘Verbatim’. The Unit is comprised of Reporters and Editors.

Every word that is said in the Chamber is recorded by this dedicated team of reporters and published directly on our website. All these records are also saved digitally within the parliamentary archives. 

Additionally, the 3 key roles of the Parliamentary Reporters Unit is:

• To serve in Chamber during Sittings
• To transcribe Verbatim with an exceptional degree of accuracy (from audio to written form)
• To make the Verbatim readily accessible to Members and National Assembly Service Staff upon request

To contact the Hansard Unit, kindly email us on verbatim@nationalassembly.sc

Public Relations and Protocol Office

Public Relations

The Public Relations Office is responsible for upholding the image of the National Assembly, communicating regularly with Media Houses, and managing the website and all official social media platforms of the institution. 

The department is also mandated to prepare publicity materials as well as educational materials to inform the general public on the different activities of the National Assembly. Additionally, the department is also responsible for conceptualizing, coordinating and developing the National Assembly's Strategy in the field of Public Relations and the maintenance of all institutional branding and information.

The Public Relations department raises awareness of the work, processes and relevance of the legislative system. Through the organisation of outreach activities with schools and other institutions, the aim is to continually strengthen the connection between Parliament and the public.

Protocol

The Office is also responsible for all Protocol matters. Protocol refers to the rules, customs, and procedures that govern official events and ceremonies. Ambassadors, Presidents, and other VIP Delegations require protocol to assist and ensure that events run smoothly. 

The team uphold protocol measures for events by coordinating Seating/Standing arrangements, the Order of Precedence and Address, the arrangement of gifts, amongst other duties. 

To contact the Office, kindly contact us on press@nationalassembly.sc 

Media Operations

The Media Operations Unit of the National Assembly is primarily responsible for the filming and livestreaming of all Sittings in the Chamber. 
Officers in this unit operate the cameras, and other audiovisual devices to capture, record, broadcast and archive meetings and events, particularly the Live Sittings. When preparing for the live filming of the National Assembly Sittings, the Media Operations Unit determines precise sound levels for recording, appropriate to the visual image and ensures that the quality of recorded sound and light is to the required standard for live broadcasting on television.

The team also creates educational and promotional content to sensitize the public on the proceedings of the National Assembly and the mandates of the National Assembly Service. 

To contact the Media Operations team, kindly email us on mediaoperations@nationalassembly.sc

Corporate Services & Facilities

The main functions under the purview of the Director for Corporate Services & Facilities are to have oversight of the administration, infrastructure and logistical services within the National Assembly in line with national and internal regulations, policies and procedures.

Administration, Maintenance & Housekeeping

The Department is tasked to deliver efficient support services to all units, ensuring the smooth operation of the National Assembly Service and the National Assembly. These services encompass Housekeeping Management, Precinct Management, Health & Safety, Procurement, Purchasing and Stores Management, Transportation and Fleet Management, Reception and Telephone Services.  Additionally, the officers of the Department manage catering services, messenger services, staff uniforms, local and international travel for staff and members, as well as the administration of outsourced services contracts.

To contact the Department, kindly email us on admin@nationalassembly.sc  

Information Technology

The IT Department of the National Assembly of Seychelles is fully committed to digitally empowering our parliamentary staff and honorable members. Our team comprises three IT Staff who provide a range of services that cater to various needs. These include:

- Senior ICT Officer: Leading the department, the Senior ICT Officer focuses on strategic IT planning, managing the 365 interfaces, and taking cybersecurity measures to safeguard our users' digital interactions.

- Assistant ICT Officer: Our Assistant ICT Officer is instrumental in managing the Helpdesk system and our IT infrastructure. Support for Microsoft 365 applications, internet connectivity, and device maintenance.  

- IT Consultant: Our IT Consultant offers expert guidance on setting up our network in fracture and optimizing technology use within the National Assembly. They ensure that we leverage the best tools and practices in the industry.

 

Apart from these roles, our department also provides comprehensive training and technical support for any issues that may arise with devices, phones, or software. We are here to assist with every technological need, from routine troubleshooting to advanced cybersecurity protection. 

Together, we strive to maintain a secure and efficient digital environment for the National Assembly of Seychelles.

The Information Centre

The Information Centre Services has been specially developed to support the functions and operations of the parliament. It consists of several main units that work together to provide various services and resources to parliamentarians, staff, and for the public. They play a crucial role in promoting and preserving parliamentary knowledge and heritage.

The Information Centre falls within the directorship of the Deputy Clerk, supported by an Information Centre manager and a Documentation Assistant, and is comprised of three operational units:

• The Library
• The Archives
• The Museum

1. Parliamentary Library: The Parliamentary Library is responsible for providing comprehensive and relevant reference, and information services to members of parliament, parliamentary committees, and their staff. provide lending services and disseminate reference information to Members of Parliament (MPs), and Secretariat staff. The library collection comprises of formats including books, journals, legislation, international reports, online databases and links to internet resources. The library is organized into subject areas so as to proactively provide information to the members, Committees and to develop resources relevant to the work of Committees in their particular subject areas.

2. Parliamentary Museum: The Parliamentary Museum aims to educate and engage the public about the role and significance of parliament in a democratic society. It offers various exhibits, displays to promote understanding of parliamentary processes, history, and the contributions of parliamentarians. The museum also organizes tours to enhance public participation and awareness.

3. Parliamentary Archives: The Parliamentary Archives serve as the custodians of important records and documents relating to the functioning and history of parliament. It collects, preserves, and provides access to a wide range of materials, including parliamentary papers, committee reports, debates, and other historical records. The archives play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the preservation of parliamentary heritage.

4. National Assembly Visit: Organizing and managing guided tours of the parliament. It offers visitors a chance to explore the parliamentary premises, including the debating chambers, select committee rooms, and historical artifacts. The unit ensures a smooth and informative tour experience by coordinating and providing logistical support and educating the visitors on the role and functions of the parliament.

To contact the Information Centre kindly email us on library@nationalassembly.sc

Parliamentary Research Services

The Parliamentary Research Division is responsible for providing non-partisan and balanced analytical work that is adapted to the needs of parliamentarians, Committees, and the Parliamentary Service. Parliamentarians need credible and reliable information to make informed decisions when developing, assessing, and voting on legislation. The division provides analysis covering a spectrum of perspectives through the production of fact sheets, notes, statistics, and analytical research briefs on topical and legislative matters as well as parliamentary procedures. The analytical work produced is focused on synthesizing facts and presenting information in a balanced manner both in political terms and in the approaches adopted to conduct analysis. Some of the work of the Division includes the below:

• Motions List for the Website 
• Research Briefs & Notes
• Compilation of Yearly Journals
• Surveys
• Recommendations of Motions & Recommendation of Motions for Ratifications
• Project Proposals
• Factsheets
• Legislative Briefs in collaboration with the Legal Division
• Briefings on Motions

The Parliamentary Research Division prides itself on delivering impartial research papers and analysis. Research papers should be written in an institutional language that reflects different sides of an argument which presents an unbiased perspective. The Research Division also aims to contribute to the National research landscape through its joint research project with the Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute of the University of Seychelles, by producing a series of contextual research papers with a specific focus on parliament. 

To contact the Research Unit kindly email us on research@nationalassembly.sc

Legal

The Legal Unit is responsible for handling all legal matters of the National Assembly and work with the Scrutiny of Bills Committee and any other Committee of the National Assembly to provide legal opinions, present legal implications and advice on the constitutionality of Bills, Resolutions, proposed amendment(s) to laws, and executive orders, and on the interpretation and application of the rules and other legislation.

For any legal queries email us on legal@nationalassembly.sc

 

 

Our Emblems and Symbols 

Our Logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Motto

The official motto of the National Assembly is ‘Unity in Diversity’. In an institution like the National Assembly, the Parliament of the country; differences in opinions will always exist, but such differences should, rather than divide, unite us. It is simply through unity in diversity, that the institution will remain strong, and fulfil its constitutional role to ensure stability and prosperity for the country.

The Building & Pillars

The building is represented in the logo by the two pillars, which represents the two political forces in the country- the Government and the Opposition. Both political forces support the Seychellois nation, represented in our logo by the building’s crown.

The Constitution

In between the two pillars, is a book which represents the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles; the supreme law of the land. The Constitution reminds us that as citizens of Seychelles and Members of the National Assembly, we must always respect the rule of law. It is the Members’ duty to defend and uphold the Constitution of the Republic.

The Colours of the National Flag

The colours of the National Flag of Seychelles are represented in the land on which the building stands.

The Coco-de-Mer

The Coco-de-Mer surrounds all the aforementioned elements, and represents a unique element of our islands. At the bottom we see two Coco-de-Mer Palm leaves, each facing in opposite directions. This illustrates that in nature, it is only when we have two opposing forces; positive and negative; that a balance is maintained.

The Third Republic & the Archipelago 

1993, is the year in which the Third Republic came into being and thus the National Assembly was created. The Seychelles is an archipelago of 155 islands, illustrated by the 155 spikes surrounding the logo.

The National Assembly Mace

The Mace is the Symbol of the Speakers’ authority and impartiality. It is carried into the Chamber by the Sergeant at Arms, who is the custodian of the Mace.

In the National Assembly of Seychelles the Mace is placed upright in a special wooden stand on the Speakers’ own right. By Convention, the Assembly cannot proceed unless the Mace is present in the Chamber. The National Assembly Mace is made of ‘Bwa Nwar’ and at the top of the Mace is an open book which represents the Constitution of Seychelles with the Preamble engraved on it. The open book rests on a Coco De Mer which in turn rests on a drum like wooden bust with the crest of Seychelles engraved on the front. The Mace of the National Assembly was designed and built by Mr. Colin Dyer, a former Member.