Create an AFAC broader affiliate membership program

The Need

Government fire and emergency service agencies regularly work with other providers in emergency services.   This includes: 

• Local governments
• Other government agencies e.g. police, Departments of Human Services.

Additionally, there are other private organisations providing emergency services within their own industry e.g. mining and petroleum.

Much of the knowledge required to deliver services well needs to be shared and in some instances, jointly developed.    Many practices and experiences are similar to those in the Government sector and all parties can benefit through sharing and collaboration. 

Currently the AFAC membership is determined by the constitution as
“any emergency service or fire management Agency of a State or Territory Government in Australia or any other government agency approved by the Council.” 
The Constitution allows for the acceptance of ‘Affiliate members’ as approved by the Committee of Management.

Benefits and Strategic Alignment

Implementation or a wider affiliate member program supports AFAC’s vision of “Fire and Emergency Services strengthened through sharing, collaboration and innovation.” and achieve its Goal of Leadership and Advocacy. The benefits to the AFAC members would include:

• A wider pool of expertise and knowledge with whom to collaborate
• A more consistent application of services to the community
• An increased revenue base for the organisation

The benefits to new Associate members could be:

• Connection with the main providers in the fire and emergency industry
• Access to knowledge, information and events
• Ability to influence policy and standards

Proposal

The purpose of this project is to develop a business plan that would scope, cost and analyze the benefits of offering AFAC associate membership to those involved in emergency services and emergency management.  This could include:

• Government agencies
• Private associations
• Corporations
• Individuals

The business case would cover:

• Analysis of prospective associate members
• The membership benefits that AFAC could offer
• The cost to do this
• The revenue that could be generated
• The effects on the current membership
• An outline of an implementation strategy

Consultation

• Council Members
• Group members
• Local Government representatives
• Private industry

Governance

• Mary Barry, AFAC Committee of Management
• Tony Blanks, AFAC Committee of Management
•  Naomi Brown,AFAC CEO
•  Jill Edwards, AFAC Manager Strategy
• AFAC staff