Human resource (HR) professionals in Jamaica are set to operate under new national standards following the endorsement of key reforms by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has approved two significant initiatives in response to recommendations made by the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ), namely  the establishment of a national registry of certified HR practitioners to be maintained by HRMAJ and the introduction of a mandatory Code of Ethics for HR professionals. These efforts are part of a broader push to enhance professional accountability and improve the quality of HR leadership across the country.

The Ministry will also exercise regulatory oversight of HRMAJ, ensuring compliance with the new framework aimed at aligning Jamaica with international best practices in human capital governance.

Speaking on the initiative, Michael McAnuff-Jones, second vice-president of HRMAJ, stated, “This marks the culmination of a multi-year effort by HRMAJ to establish self-regulation and to provide the community with protection from pressure to compromise on our ethical commitments. By moving from voluntary to mandatory adherence to our Code of Ethics, we strengthen the credibility and integrity of the profession. As the leading HR association in Jamaica, HRMAJ’s Code of Ethics provides a credible reference source to the labour market regarding the recruitment of fraternity leaders.”

He further noted that “with the ministry’s support, we are confident that these reforms will not only enhance recruitment practices and workforce quality in Jamaica, but also position us as a regional leader in professional human resource governance.”

President of HRMAJ Dr Cassida Jones Johnson expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for its support, endorsement, and approval to move the process of towards full legal recognition, thereby enabling Jamaica, through HRMAJ, to kick start a move that has consensus at the regional level.  These changes will greatly benefit the Jamaican workforce and reputation of the human resource professionals.”

HRMAJ noted that the changes will improve transparency in recruitment, provide employers with a trusted source for verifying HR credentials, and reinforce the profession’s public image.

A timeline for implementation and guidelines for registration will be announced in the coming months.