Core Public Sector Ministry Functional Reviews
We have completed three reviews for a major core public sector ministry that provided independent advice on its communications and engagement function, a nationwide network planning and delivery function, and the enabling functions within a particular group. All of the reviews provided an independent assessment of the current state performance of the function against best practice and the needs of the organisation, identified and evaluated a range of options for improving the performance of the function, and provided the client with recommendations and an outline implementation plan for transitioning to a best practice approach.
Organisational Design and Change
Working for a large government department, we supported the development of a future state operating model and developed an organisational structure and change program that will support the agency's transition to a future state model which is fit for purpose and meets the Government's expectations.
Functional Design for Start-ups
Supporting the heads of the Provincial Development Unit and the KiwiBuild Unit, we developed organisational design architecture, models of management and governance, programme design and reporting arrangements for both units. We then delivered the initial implementation of these at a senior level whilst permanent staff were recruited.
Supporting Government Health Reforms
Working with the Ministry of Health and the newly established Health Entities, we facilitated several workshops to support the organisation's establishment program, including the transfer of some functions from the Ministry to the new entities. This work included advising Ministers, Central agencies and the Transition Unit on the best options for advancing the reforms.
Independent Assurance Review
Working for a core government department, we undertook an independent review of its management of appointment processes. We were asked to investigate and report on whether the appointment processes undertaken complied with relevant policies and processes, report on any potential shortcomings with the process, identify process improvements and make recommendations on other matters which will improve the organisation's management of similar processes in the future.
Strategy Workshops - Facilitation
Working with the Executive Leadership Teams and Mayors of a region's councils, we designed and facilitated a series of workshops that identified the core strategic priorities that would drive unified planning and delivery of services across the Region. At the heart of our approach is a methodology grounded in thoughtful inquiry and independent challenge. The output of the workshops was an agreed plan that each council would adapt to their own planning and delivery frameworks in order to achieve the collective ambition of the mayors and leadership teams.
Review of OIA Policies and Practices
Working for a large Crown Entity, we delivered an independent review of the operational policies, guidance instructions, processes and systems in relation to the organisation's management and responses to official information act requests. Our review engaged senior executives and other relevant personnel (including board members, management, staff and private secretaries). Using our deep knowledge and experience, we compared the organisation's approach to other models operating across Government. Our advice identified how the current approach measured up against "good practice" with reference to the Ombudsman's Office guidelines and made recommendations for a range of improvements.
Regulatory Maturity Uplift Review
Working for a large regulator, we developed a framework for assessing the maturity and progress made in their regulatory uplift programme. The development drew on our experience and international best practice frameworks to ensure the outcome of the review would be objective, evidence based and establish a clear direction for the organisation to continue on its journey to deliver regulatory excellence.
Review of Culture - Civil Aviation Authority
We were engaged to review the operating culture of the CAA following public reports of bully and harassment being experienced by some staff within the CAA (which includes the Aviation Security Service). By reference to WorkSafe’s model standards, the Health and Safety in Employment Act and other good practice we were aware of, our work established benchmarks for policies systems and practice for dealing with incidents of bullying and harassment. Our work included a review of all complaint files going back 5 years with an assessment being made as to how well they were managed against the standards we considered better practice. We also interviewed over 120 staff, management, union representatives, board members (current and former) and aviation industry stakeholders. We made over 40 recommendations for improvements to current practice and presented these and our findings to the Minister of Transport. A significant program of work is presently underway at the CAA to give effect to our recommendations.
Risk and Assurance Committee - Independent Member
One of the Directors is currently an independent member of the Risk and Assurance Committee for a large and complex core government department. In this role, he provides independent and frank advice on all matters relating to risk and assurance.
Risk and Assurance Services
We were engaged by a large emergency management agency to support the delivery of its core risk and assurance services, including compiling quarterly risk reporting to the Board. We also supported the design and facilitation of a strategic risks workshop with the organisation's executive leadership team.