“Well-oiled machine” or “oily machine”? Does your organisation need an overhaul, or is it just time for some fine-tuning?
Published
22 March 2019
All robust agencies occasionally review their structure and operations to determine whether any change is needed, and if so, what kind. This need is often driven by budget constraints, changes in government, minister, legislation or functions, or simply an acknowledgement that people cannot do their job well under existing arrangements.
Many external advisors take an “off the rack” approach to advising agencies on structural and operational change, the principal drivers being money, function and efficiency. Functions are generally identified and costed according to established practice. Structural and procedural templates are produced reflecting what the advisor recommends will deliver the most ‘efficient’ result. Quite often, however, the agency is left with a ‘set to fail’ system – one that only functions well if nothing goes wrong. This is rarely the case.
Proximity takes an entirely different approach to organisational review.
We understand that agencies do not share identical functions, stakeholders and outputs. We prefer to work at ‘ground level’ with our clients, prioritising the needs of the agency and – importantly – the people within it.
The effective review of any agency’s structure and operations requires an understanding of:
- the legal, political and policy environment
- functions of the agency
- expectations of stakeholders
- the capacity of the organisation to perform its functions at a high level, and to meet the needs of its stakeholders.
Proximity is an innovative firm specialising in legal and non-legal services to government agencies. We boast a strong team of experts in legal, governance and commercial disciplines. Many of us have a substantial background in government service at senior levels, offering the right combination of people with appropriate skills and an understanding of the laws, policies and culture relating to your agency.
We work on-site with you and your team as much as possible. This promotes more cost-effective services and assists:
- structured discussions on-site with staff;
- strong communication channels;
- participation in meetings;
- identification of issues before they become problems;
- a more strategic role; and
- advice that reflects on-the-ground realities.
Proximity can assist leaders within your agency by identifying potential, pragmatic improvements to develop your structure and processes. This includes mapping capabilities, identifying areas for improvement, analysing strategic directions and objectives, and recommending strategies to address capability gaps.
Proximity is highly regarded for its advisory services to the Australian Government in a wide range of matters; among them, a growing list of significant governance reviews.
That’s why our government advisory team has grown from 12 to nearly 60 in less than three years.
