Senior practitioners, usually in the human resources field, represent AFAC member agencies on the Volunteer and Employee Management Group.
The Group identifies areas of common interest, duplication and interdependence in the fire and emergency services sector, particularly the areas of:
- Organisational development, including volunteer
- Occupational health, safety and well being
- Employee management activities
In an industry built on collaboration and interoperability, it is critical that industry-wide workforce planning and capabilities are identified and developed. The Group collects industry benchmark information to ensure effective performance and the identification of potential improvements.
The Group facilitates and promotes the incorporation of national and internationally endorsed strategies and initiatives into agency planning, budgeting and governance processes. Assisting this Group are a number of Sub -Groups.
Volunteer Management Sub-Group
Volunteers are critical to the fire and emergency services industry. AFAC member agencies collectively engage approximately 200,000 volunteers in the emergency services sector. The Volunteer Management Sub Group identifies volunteer issues of national and international relevance. Where appropriate, the group will establish the means to address volunteer issues with a collective effort.
Current issues being addressed include:
- The impact of climate change on volunteering
- The increasing cost in being a volunteer
- Support of the volunteer’s employer.
Employee Management Sub-Group
In an ever changing environment, the welfare and management of employees is of utmost importance. The Employee Management Sub Group provides an arena to discuss employee management initiatives and activities of national and international importance. The members of this Sub-Group identify areas of duplication and interdependence in employee matters in order for member agencies to coordinate addressing issues in a collective manner. Issues may include:
- Employee management policy and practice
- Employee relations
- Employee management systems.
As key employee management experts, Sub-Group members work on strategies that member agencies may utilise to prepare for future developments and challenges in this area.
Occupational Health and Safety Sub-Group
Irrespective of whether the emergency services worker is a volunteer or paid firefighter, working in this field is inherently hazardous. For this reason, the health, safety and well being of the employees (paid and unpaid) is of utmost importance. The Occupational Health and Safety Sub Group ensures liaison between agency specialists and promotes the sharing of information on common issues. Sharing of statistical information to benchmark performance and identify areas of potential improvement is a key task for this group.
The Sub-Group works together to achieve consistent outcomes and avoid duplication to ensure the safest possible environment for their teams. Issues may include:
- Personal protective equipment
- Policies and procedures
- Initiatives ensuring well being both in and outside the working environment.
Fostering an integrated approach to issues of national and international importance in the area of health safety and well being is the primary focus of these Sub-Group members.
For more information contact:
Judy Gouldbourn, Manager, Human Resources
Ph: +61 3 9418 5224
