Background:
This local government was experiencing a high degree of turmoil in its organisation with significant challenges across a number of its governance and human resource management areas. Recruitment turnaround times were protracted, WHS systems were failing audit assessments, legislative compliance generally was not adequately addressed and performance management systems were in need of substantial improvement.
Resourcing generally was low and the absence of experienced senior staff meant that there was no one with sufficient expertise within the organisation to provide the analysis required and to develop practical solutions.
What we did
As there was a need to progress improvements in several key areas of need within the Human Resources and Governance functions of the Council , all at the same time, a number of projects were developed to ensure interrelated services were coordinated.
The range of issues targeted included:
- Executive Recruitment and Selection practice;
- Recruitment procedures more broadly to create efficiencies and reduce lead times;
- WHS Framework review, resourcing and capability;
- Executive performance management framework and coaching of executive staff.
Results
Improvements plans were developed for policies, processes and procedures in all these areas together with the provision of practice templates, work instructions and model documents and reports for management to roll out. New recruitment procedures enabled in house staff to significantly improve the turn around time for filling vacancies by reducing paperwork and duplication by rationalising authorisation procedures. A major refocusing of Workplace Health & Safety created a more coordinated and integrated framework consistent with legislative requirements and good industry practice.
Instances of non-compliance were identified and rectified. Numerous new and improved policies and procedures were drafted to provide clarity.
What The Client Said
“Gary has been a valuable consulting resource to Isaac Regional Council and we have been able to benefit from his strong local government, human resources and leadership background. Without his expertise many of these projects could not have been completed to the level and standard that Gary has been able to achieve.” – Nicole Hall: Manager People, Performance and Safety
