Yesterday, Árni M. Mathiesen, the Minister of Finance, presented the Competition Authority with the 2008 Public Institution of the Year award. Páll Gunnar Pálsson, the Director, accepted the award on behalf of the institution.
In the picture, Finance Minister Árni M. Mathiesen is seen presenting the award to Páll Gunnar Pálsson, Director of the Competition Authority. Gylfi Magnússon, the Chairman, is on the right of the picture.
The committee's findings state about the winner:
Since new competition laws came into force in 2005, the development of the Competition Authority has been purposeful. The Authority operates according to clear policies and objectives and is committed to implementing them through transparent processes that are regularly reviewed. The organisation's structure is project-oriented and based on peer management, where staff are held accountable. The success of its operations is reflected, among other things, in an improved case age profile and increased case processing speed in recent years. Staff matters are well managed within the institution, and through targeted performance and salary reviews, the foundation is laid for a performance appraisal system that takes responsibility and achievement into account. Emphasis is also placed on the cost-effective use of funds, which is reflected, for example, in an active time-keeping system. The organisation's management has a clear vision for its future and the achievements planned for the coming years. It is clear that a great deal of ambitious work is being carried out at the Competition Authority, and the management is aware of the organisation's standing in society. The Committee believes that other government agencies could take the institution as a model in many areas.
See website for details Ministry of Finance.
