Social security district offices 'satisfactory'
Social Policy Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that a telephone survey carried out in January among 528 beneficiaries of social security across all benefits and age groups showed that 87.8 per cent of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied...
Social Policy Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that a telephone survey carried out in January among 528 beneficiaries of social security across all benefits and age groups showed that 87.8 per cent of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the level of service being provided at district office level.
The three most important attributes they valued in the service delivery were confidentiality (75.2 per cent), cost of service (75.2 per cent) and a cordial and positive attitude (62.3 per cent).
Social security beneficiaries visit district offices mostly to acquire information of a personalised nature (83.8 per cent), to request their employment history (54.7 per cent) or to obtain details of their benefit payment (27.5 per cent).
Dr Gonzi was speaking at the launch of a Corporate Loyalty Discount Scheme between the ministry and the Westin Dragonara Resort through which over 2,800 employees working with any of the departments or entities falling within the portfolio of the ministry would benefit from substantial discounts on products and services offered by the Westin.
The scheme was launched by Dr Gonzi and Westin's general manager Hans Cauchi.
Dr Gonzi said the scheme built up on the strong relationship between the ministry and Westin.
Since 1999, the ministry has partnered with Westin on a training initiative, through which a significant number of ministry employees had been provided with customer care and management development training by Westin's human resources department.
"This experience has been instrumental for the quality improvement of our customer care services within the Department of Social Security.
"In fact, our Birkirkara district office, one with the largest catchment area, has been designated as a service excellence centre, where citizens attending this district office are being afforded the same level of service one expects at the Westin," Dr Gonzi said.
Mr Cauchi said the scheme offered ministry employees attractive discounts on various services and products namely, discounts in all food and beverage outlets, the fitness centre membership, lido membership, conference incentives and on weddings, private parties and accommodation.
The scheme will be effective from April 1.