The VBRC interim report and its recommendations led to the implementation of Bushfire Preparedness Program part 1 and 2. The final VBRC report and its recommendations led to the Government’s response, including the implementation of the VBRC projects.
Initiatives included a Community focused program which is a suite of projects to assist Victorians prepare for a fire and other emergencies. It includes information in printed literature, face to face interaction services, online tools, facilitation of community groups, and children’s education.
Another was to enhance state-wide operational response by technical networks, infrastructure systems and command processes, developments and improvements.
CFA also recognised our people are the core of the organisation and to further support them, a program to inform and sustain their wellbeing for the entire period of their volunteering and working lifecycle was established.
The Community planning, protection and risk assessment program focused on prevention, preparation and planning treatments communities can use to manage and adapt to their fire risk.
Highlights of the past 3 years include:
- Organisational feedback after BFPP set the direction and guidance for the BPMO’s activities, which focussed on initiatives introduced to support project teams
- Bushfires Program, Project Managers have received comprehensive mentoring to assist with the management of their projects
- Regional project teams were supported in developing their Service Level Agreements
- Reduced duplication of Project Managers time and effort and improved coordination and collection of reporting and evidence requirements, internal and external of the organisation
- BPMO VBRC implementation monitor’s evidentiary processes, are used as a benchmark for other agencies
- Twenty projects, funded since 2009 will be completed and close on June 30, 2012
As June 30 nears, so will the end of the BPMO era and opening the opportunity for a Project Management Office (PMO) to be established within the Performance and Strategy team, led by Executive Director, David Spokes.
See attached image for the BPMO to PMO transitional timeline.
The PMO will have 3 key areas of focus for the next twelve months:
- Establishing and championing Project Management Excellence processes
- Embedding Project Management Excellence as a minimum standard
- Managing new projects program and portfolios as required
David said the PMO is committed to coaching any CFA member involved in a project, to understand the Project Management Excellence process.
“This will not only assist the individual to enhance their personal development but will improve the organisations ability to ensure the right projects are being done and they are being done right, ensuring the best possible outcome for the individual and the organisation,” he said.
”The structured status reporting of projects will continue as a function of the PMO. We don’t want to lose sight of the improvements in this area over the past 3 years, where there is now a reduced effort and duplication of reporting information by our project teams and external stakeholders are receiving regular consistent reporting information. We are about continuous improvement, not starting over.”
The PMO encourages anyone now considering or developing a new project, to contact the team for support and guidance. Phone EXT 8347
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