Recruitment, Deployment and Retention of Staff to Run ComLink Programme

16 Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many staff are currently deployed to run the ComLink programme; and (b) what is being done to help improve recruitment and retention of such staff.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: ComLink was first started in 2019 with four staff partnering local community partners at four pilot sites. In 2021, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) announced that it would be expanded nationwide. As of 25 September 2023, there were about 110 staff deployed in our Social Service Offices to run the ComLink programme, with the support of around 1,400 volunteer befrienders and local community partners in various Housing and Development Board towns.

Turnover among ComLink staff is comparable with other roles in MSF. We have a steady pipeline of candidates in recruitment, where we tap on open recruitment platforms, career fairs and Public Service officers keen for a career change. We will continue to support our staff as they work hard to support and journey with our ComLink families.