Ovens-Buckland Valley. Photo by Luke Commisso, CFA Digital Library
With succession planning a priority for their brigades and groups, District 24’s DPC and Catchment Teams have participated in a workshop on CFA’s new Succession Planning Framework to determine ways to best support its rollout.
Delivered by members of the Volunteer Sustainability team, the workshop ensured the District Planning Committee (DPC) was the first team to be briefed on the framework so that members could feel empowered to participate in the process.
The Succession Planning Framework was launched earlier this year to provide guidance to brigades and in planning for future role demand. The easy-to-use framework guides members through six foundational areas: Structure Review, Skills Review, Membership and Roles Review, Developing Our Members, Retaining and Recruiting Members and Preparing for Elections.
District 24 Acting ACFO Brett Myers said it made sense for the District to support the rollout of the resource at all levels, so that brigades and groups feel supported to take action.
“I’m hopeful the resource will create positive change for some brigades and groups in the District who have really struggled with how to address their leadership and role gaps,” Brett said.
“The DPC valued the opportunity to learn more about succession planning and discuss with their peers how they can best support other brigades and groups in this area.
“We now have practical tools to address some really challenging issues brigades and groups have been dealing with for a long time”.
District 24 Group Officer David Box said the framework was flexible and easy to use.
“Brigades and Groups can use different sections of the framework to suit their needs and they can go at their own pace,” David said.
“On the back of the workshop, a presentation will now be made to the District’s next Group meeting so brigades have the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them.
“Our Group will be focusing on leadership development opportunities for our current talent pool, as well as for broader Group members.”
The Succession Planning Framework was developed after extensive consultation with volunteers and staff across the state to make sure we were responding to their specific needs. Consultation data highlighted the fact that only a very small percentage of brigades and groups are succession planning, with most planning being informal.
Brigades and groups are encouraged to consider each of the six foundational areas of the framework, as they assist in the development of prospective leaders and addressing role gaps.
There are currently no requirements for brigades or groups to create a documented succession plan, however by doing so brigades and groups can be confident they are always led by the best people.
To learn more about accessing a workshop contact your Volunteer Sustainability Team or email successionplanning@cfa.vic.gov.au.
The Succession Planning Framework can be accessed on Members Online.