Workforce Management Network June 2014
When it comes to career firefighters, each agency has slightly different processes, assessments and requirements as to how they recruit new staff. How do we know that recruitment practices and processes are actually selecting the best people? Whilst some differences in practice are expected, and indeed necessary, members of the WMN are keen to explore the reasons for different recruitment assessments and decision making across the industry. A workshop will be held in July/August this year to explore the issue further.
by Judy Gouldbourn
13 June , 2014
Recruitment and Diversity
When it comes to career firefighters, each agency has slightly different processes, assessments and requirements as to how they recruit new staff. How do we know that recruitment practices and processes are actually selecting the best people? Whilst some differences in practice are expected, and indeed necessary, members of the WMN are keen to explore the reasons for different recruitment assessments and decision making across the industry. A workshop will be held in July/August this year to explore the issue further.
Data Collection and Analysis – A Business Intelligence approach
Jill Edwards, AFAC Director Capability and Member Services, addressed the group to lead a conversation on the value of data.In particular, Jill emphasised that value is in the information that the data can tell us, not the data itself. In order to align our activities to the ‘Strategic Directions’ of the industry there first needs to be a greater understanding of industry needs. Workforce metrics are integral to understanding our industry, and members are committed to engaging with this activity.
NZFS Wellness Initiative
New Zealand Fire Service impressed group members with their approach to supporting workers with illness. A comprehensive strategic and logical approach, that leads to not only improved worker wellness, but reduced absenteeism.
Collaboration across the AFAC Network
One of the reasons the AFAC Collaboration Model exists is to facilitate the sharing of information across the industry. In order to maximise the reach of this knowledge, members of the WMN Group were updated on the activities of the Volunteer Management Technical Group, the Work Health and Safety Technical Group, the Learning and Development Group and shared a half day meeting with the Urban Operations Group.
Taking a flexible approach to sharing and collaborating across AFAC Groups and Networks, not just within them, will continue to strengthen and enhance knowledge.