ABOUT
US
The Role of DCFS
within the Island
Co-operative Societies and Friendly Societies
in the island have all come into being with
the object of bringing about an improvement in
the economic and/or social life of the people
who comprise their membership. The role of the
Department in this effort is to assist
societies to achieve this end by the
application of proper co-operative techniques.
It can be said, therefore, that the Department
exists to assist people to improve their
economic and social circumstances, by
democratic mutual self-help processes: this
assistance is provided through audits,
inspections, training and guidance. The
assistance however must be thought of as
working with (rather than directing) people on
projects which affect their everyday lives. On
the officers of this Department is therefore
placed a responsibility for the shaping the Societies they have in
their care.
It is therefore the first and main task of
officers of the Department to see their jobs
as being primarily concerned with people and
their lives, and to let the awareness of this
fact be the guide in the carrying out of their
every day duties.
The above is stated in spite of the
Department’s responsibilities as defined in
the Co-operative and Friendly Societies Acts
and Regulations which are in themselves very
regulatory in nature. It is precisely this
reality which make the officer’s work more
complex and, in a sense, more demanding.
Notwithstanding, the Officers within the
Inspectorate Section are at times seen as
policemen and gaolers as they endeavour to
effect a very important area of the
Department’s function. That of ensuring the
safeness and soundness of the members' savings
and investments, through
-
Inspection of records, accounts and
securities and other assets of the
societies, the development and
implementation of improved techniques and
systems to ensure proper operation of
Co-operative Enterprises
-
Pre-audit checks to ensure audit
readiness
-
Technical assistance at Board, General
and Special Meetings in respect of adherence
to the Act and Regulations, Rules, proper
parliamentary procedures and sound
management practices and principles
.
Mission
Statement
“To contribute to the social and economic
development of the nation by facilitating the
establishment and regulation of
Co-operatives and Friendly Societies as
viable business alternatives and effective
social organizations, and protecting all
stakeholders’ interests”.
Vision Statement
“To be transformed to position Co-operatives
and Friendly Societies as vibrant and viable
sectors within Jamaica’s socioeconomic
development by 2018.”
Philosophy
The Department is guided by a philosophy to
understand and appreciate that its functions
are concerned with the lives of people; the
awareness of this fact is essential to the
satisfactory performance of its duties in
attaining the closest possible relationship
with its clientele, in order to assist
Societies to bring about the economical and
social improvements desired. This philosophy
coupled with the principles of co-operation
and the Associated Practices adopted by the
International Co-operative Alliance, with
respect to the establishment and operation
of Co-operative Societies, assist the
Department in fulfilling its objectives.
The principles and practices listed below
also influence Friendly Societies, which are
essentially co-operative in nature.
-
Voluntary and Open Membership
-
Democratic Membership Control
-
Members Economic Participation
-
Autonomy and Independence
-
Education, Training and Information
-
Co-operation among Co-operatives
-
Concern for Community
Sections within
the Department
In order for the Department to effectively
carry out its mandate, the activities are
effected through the following operational
division:
