History

In January 2008, the then Governance Reform Secretariat was transformed into the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), charged with the responsibility of providing leadership, coordination and strategic guidance in the design, implementation and monitoring of all Public Sector Reform Programmes. PSRU pursued its objective of strengthening management and administrative structures, systems and processes in the public service, by using a targeted joined-up approach to reform and consolidating the activities within the various reform components into streamlined and organized pathways. PSRU also provides technical backstopping to MDAs and strengthening engagement with the other policy environments within the public service such as Local Government, Security sector, Health sector, Teaching services and Parliament etc.

The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) provides leadership, coordination and technical backstopping in the strategic design, development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of all public sector reform
programmes. Having existed for over 20 years, the PSRU, initially the Governance Reform secretariat until it was transformed in 2008 under the Office of the President, has survived three (3) successive governments.

In line with the new policy directives, PSRU provides relevant technical backstopping to MDAs and strengthens engagement with other policy environments within the more comprehensive public service. The PSRU looks forward to continuing to re-align its activities with the GoSL New Agenda on reforms as stated in Cluster 5 – ‘Revamping the Public Service Architecture’.

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A Legacy Across Successive Governments

Since its inception, the PSRU has successfully served under three successive governments, maintaining continuity in reform programmes that enhance professionalism, accountability, and service delivery across the public sector. Its long-standing presence reflects its strategic importance and the sustained commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone to public sector modernization.

Institutional Placement and Reorganization

Over the years, the PSRU’s institutional placement has continued to evolve:

  • In April 2018, a government memorandum integrated PSRU into the Civil Service Architecture as a Professional Department reporting through the Office of the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service.
  • While this change gave PSRU a more structured role in civil service reforms, it also highlighted the need to reposition the Unit under the Office of the President for greater authority, real-time communication of reform challenges, and accelerated decision-making.
Today, the PSRU continues to strengthen its alignment with the Government of Sierra Leone’s national transformation agenda and public sector modernization priorities.

Alignment with National Development Priorities

PSRU is currently aligned with the Government’s fifth-generation Poverty Reduction Strategy, particularly Cluster 4 & Cluster 5, which focus on revamping public sector delivery, efficiency, and professionalism.

The PSRU supports the “Feed Salone” agenda (2023–2028), providing technical backstopping to MDAs and ensuring reforms contribute to food security, economic growth, institutional efficiency, and citizen-centered service delivery.

Steering Committee on Public Sector Reform (SCPSR)

A major milestone in PSRU’s history is the establishment of the Steering Committee on Public Sector Reform (SCPSR) in January 2024. The Committee provides strategic direction, identifies reform challenges, and oversees the approval and implementation of recommendations from Management and Functional Reviews (MFRs).

It also fosters interagency collaboration by bringing together senior government leaders from MDAs, Local Councils, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and oversight bodies.

The history of the Public Sector Reform Unit reflects resilience, evolution, and continuous commitment to modernizing the Sierra Leone public service. From its transformation in 2008 to its current strategic role under the national development agenda, PSRU remains a cornerstone institution dedicated to building a professional, efficient, and citizen-focused public sector.

Get in Touch

Send an Inquiry

Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU)


Address
8 Wesley Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone


Phone
+232 74107666


Email
info@psru.gov.sl

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