The Strengthening and Development of the NZDF’s Organisational Capability
Targets:
The main action steps of this KP are:
- Finalise the development of and implement the government’s direction for the recovery and regeneration of the NZDF in accordance with the DSI, including the active management of Defence funding to ensure the range of fiscal pressures are kept within the Defence allocation.
- Continue the comprehensive review of the military justice system.
- Complete the NZDF information management framework and implement phase one of the NZDF knowledge management framework.
- Monitor the implementation of the human resources strategic plan.
- Complete a draft NZDF footprint review and corporate real estate strategy.
- Complete and implement the Defence housing and accommodation assistance project.
- Implement the Joint Logistics Support Organisation.
- Implement a NZDF professional development framework.
- Continue to explore and implement information sharing processes between the NZDF and MoD.
- Continue to implement a programme of initiatives to raise and enhance internal and external awareness of the NZDF’s role and capabilities.
Performance:
The achievements of specific projects under the main headings above are as follows:
Recovery and Regeneration of the NZDF
The management of the DSI programme, including the implementation phase, was migrated to business as usual from 1 July 2006. Progress of DSI initiatives are monitored and reported monthly to the ELT. A progress report on the DSI was forwarded to the Minister of Defence in December 2006. Separately, Cabinet has requested a review of DSI.
Implementation of the new headquarters and governance structure occurred during the reporting period. Reviews identified during the DSI implementation phase are being progressively completed.
The development of a full NZDF Strategic Plan was completed in February 2007 in time for the corporate planning process for the 2007/08 financial year and beyond. This provides guidance for all subordinate strategic planning and for annual planning and budgeting. It sits within the wider architecture of the Defence Planning Framework and provides the measurement framework, via the NZDF Balanced Score Card, for corporate level reporting of progress against strategic objectives. These objectives are supported by annually updated strategic initiatives.
The Defence Performance Management System, which aligns the requirements of the Strategic Plan and Output Plan, was further developed with the addition of tier reporting. The upper level will support the ELT in making decisions to ensure strategic goals will be met and inform the balanced scorecard. Lower level reporting tiers will be used as a management tool to enable unit commanders to improve unit performance and to provide data and information to ensure more alignment and transparency in decision making.
The NZDF uses a Project Reporting System [PRS] to manage its capability projects. The programme monitoring and reporting group is staffed and active in providing strategic oversight of projects. A project document review has been completed and a project monitoring framework is being developed, including enhancements to the PRS.
Review of Military Justice System
Since the end of 2002, the NZDF has been conducting a comprehensive review of the military justice system to ensure its consistency with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 while preserving the vital elements of the system; namely focus on the maintenance of discipline, consistency in all strategic environments, portability, expedition, fairness, efficiency and simplicity. During the period of this report the Armed Forces Law Reform Bill was introduced and read a first time in the House of Representatives. This Bill is the primary legislative vehicle for the reforms identified as necessary by the review. At the time of writing, the Bill is currently being considered by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade select committee.
Complete the NZDF Information Management Framework
The knowledge management framework template has been completed and implementation of the consequential project management plan for information management and exploitation is underway.
Monitor the Implementation of the Human Resources Strategic Plan
A wide-range of initiatives have commenced as part of the implementation of the HR strategic plan.
Information gathering tools have been revised to enhance understanding of antecedents to turnover and improve monitoring and reporting. Efforts are being targeted in key areas including leadership and career management to gain and maintain employee engagement. Workforce planners have been working collaboratively to develop an agreed model for identifying groups of highest risk to the delivery of capability. A survey of the potential recruit pool to develop an understanding of what potential recruits are looking for when making job and career choices and that the NZDF matches those expectations has been completed. This information is being used to develop an Employment Positioning Strategy to ensure that the NZDF is appropriately positioned to attract the right number of the right recruits into the future.
At the time of writing progression of initiatives to support the development of a HR Performance Management System continues. The on-line reporting tool is ready for trial and roll out as part of the new Defence Kiosk application. A revised civil staff performance management system has been developed and a new policy for civilian performance management implemented. Efforts to enhance workforce well-being, force readiness and preservation continue. A Defence-wide accident and reporting system is currently being rolled out.
A scoping strategy for a review of NZDF Remuneration has been developed. Civil staff employment agreements have been revised and implemented and work has begun on the development of a revised pay structure. An overarching Equity Strategy has been developed. A Territorial Force Strategic Plan is being developed within the new Directorate of Reserve Forces.
Complete a Draft NZDF Footprint Review and Corporate Real Estate Strategy
The corporate real estate strategic plan has been developed. A project team has been established to commence the plan’s delivery strategy. Strategic infrastructure plans for Devonport Naval Base and Waiouru Army Training Group have been incorporated into the strategic plan where practicable. Draft 10-year operating and capital funding plans for the development and maintenance of the estate were completed and reviewed to identify funding gaps.
Complete the Development and Implementation of the Defence Housing and Accommodation Assistance Policy
Core aspects of the policy have been identified and a transition strategy is being developed.
Implement the Joint Logistic Support Organisation
During the reporting period, the Joint Logistic Support Organisation was formally established and is now providing service delivery. The JLSO will continue its examination of major supplier relationships and key operational support functions to identify future cost savings. Options for review include commercial line vehicle management, catering services, telecommunications usage and software licensing.
Implement a NZDF Professional Development Framework Project
This project aims to identify the components of a high quality professional development system for NZDF personnel. A draft framework was developed and this is being refined to provide a more holistic approach.
NZDF/MoD Information Sharing
The MoD is the NZDF’s key partner in implementing the government’s defence policy. There are formal and informal arrangements in place to ensure opportunities for information sharing are exploited. Information sharing between the NZDF and the MoD has been improved with joint access to a secure and non-secure wide area network. The Strategic Coordination Group continues to meet regularly to identify and coordinate issues of mutual interest. The newly formed Strategic Capability Analysis Directorate within the MoD and the Corporate Planning Branch within the NZDF also work closely together.
Awareness of NZDF’s Role and Capabilities
The New Zealand Defence Public Relations Unit provided issue management, PR co-ordination, media liaison, editorial services and audiovisual and design support across a variety of activities, events, and incidents involving all Services, both within New Zealand and overseas.
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