THE JAMAICA ASSOCIATION of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (JASAP), formerly the Jamaica Professional Secretaries Association (JPSA) was formed on October 4, 1969 in Kingston with 13 members. The main objective for its formation was elevating the standards of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals in Jamaica and to maintain among its members a high standard of proficiency and integrity. In October 2010, embracing the evolving role of Secretaries in the workplace, the Association’s name was officially changed to the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals (JAAP). JAAP is a nonpolitical, non-profit, non-sectarian organization. Members of the JAAP are guided by the Code of Ethics.
National Executive
The JAAP is guided by a National Executive Body which is lead by a President. The President is assisted by a 1st and 2nd Vice President, a Secretary and an Assistant Secretary, a Public Relations Officer, a Treasurer and a Legal Counsel. Each member of the National Executive is a Full Member of a Chapter.
Chapters
JAAP currently boasts six (6) chapters, namely Kingston, St. James, Manchester, St. Ann, Portland and St. Mary. At the Annual General Meeting of each Chapter, six Officers are elected to serve. They consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and an Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and a Public Relations Officer. Each Chapter also elects Chairmen for the Education, Membership, Rules and Bylaws, Civic, Programme & Entertainment and Ways & Means Committees.
All Island Judging Competitions
The Association hosts two major annual events. First, the All Island Administrative Professional and Boss of the Year competitions held on the first Sunday of April as a precursor to Administrative Professionals’ Week. Administrative Professionals’ Week is celebrated worldwide as the last full week of April, with special emphasis on the Wednesday, as Administrative Professionals’ Day.
Annual Convention
The second event is the Annual Convention and Education Forum held on the first weekend of October. This event comprises a seminar and workshops specially organized for administrative professionals across the island.
Civic Activities
The Association, under the leadership of successive Presidents, has continued to engage in several civic endeavours. These include sponsoring a child at the SOS Children’s Village, providing support to the Lincoln Early Childhood Education Centre, and the Jamaica National Children’s Home (JNCH), in Kingston; giving assistance to the St Christopher’s School for the Deaf, St Ann, rendering service to the St James, Manchester and St. Ann Infirmaries; assisting the Montego Bay Learning Centre, St. James, the New Hope.
Application for Membership
Membership in the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals is open to individuals employed in the capacity of an Administrative Professional and meets the following criteria.
Criteria for Membership
1. Unquestionable character and integrity.
2. At least two years working experience/ employment as an Administrative Professional at the time of application
3. Payment of annual membership dues
CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP
| Full | Associate | Provisional |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Satisfies Membership
Criteria
|
1. Satisfies Membership
Criteria |
1. Satisfies Membership
Criteria |
|
2. Attained CAP/ CAP-OM/
Diploma in Management
Studies/ NVQ-J Level 3
in Administrative
Assistance/ Bachelor’s
Degree |
2. Pursuing CAP/ CAP-OM/
Diploma in Management
Studies/ NVQ-J Level 3
in Administrative
Assistance/ Bachelor’s
Degree |
Benefits of Membership
- Discounted rates on Annual Convention
and Education Forum
Discounted rates for Educational Seminars
and Development Workshops - Networking opportunities
- Personal & professional growth & development
- Learning and training opportunities
- Opportunites for civic outreach and community volunteerism