Managing in a changeable environment
Our risk response
The Department is committed to identifying, monitoring and responding appropriately to risks to our business at all levels.
Our approach is to ensure we identify risks that have the potential to impact on our ability to achieve our operating intentions. These processes must also support our people to develop options and implement solutions to mitigate those risks. At the operational level, Branch business plans include an outline of any risks that have the potential to impact on our service delivery.
Our Performance and Assurance system is currently being designed and implemented. Once in place in 08/09, our risk, performance, audit and reporting work will be aligned, supported by a programme to develop the skills needed to continually improve our risk and issue identification and management.
The following table highlights a number of risks to achieving our outcomes. These risks are considered when developing personal and organisational development initiatives, particularly in developing leadership capability at all levels, to identify, address and manage risk.
| Issue/risk |
Response |
Affordability
The Department has been working with other agencies to understand the drivers of the affordability issue and the declining rates of homeownership. |
Developing the response to Affordability
The Department has been developing capability to respond to this issue and it has a substantial work programme underway to address some of the issues. This includes streamlined consents for simple homes, establishing land availability and work with other agencies on urban development options. |
|
Managing in the political context
The Department is well through the implementation of the reforms across the building sector that were mandated by the Hunn Report on Leaky Homes and given effect through the Building Act 2004.
As the reforms progress, there is likely to be reaction from across the sector as the changes are fully implemented and adjustments are made.
|
Ensuring that the context for the reforms is clearly articulated
The Department will actively communicate the context for the reforms and clearly articulate and build understanding of the benefits of the reforms to consumers and other sector interest groups.
The Department will plan carefully to manage risks arising from the reform process.
|
Building sector capacity and capability
There is a risk that the building sector does not have the ability or will to implement the changes brought about by the Building Act 2004. |
Working better with the sector
The Department will continue to work collaboratively and in partnership with stakeholders to give effect to the reforms and ensure the context for the reforms is mandated and supported. We will work with key sector stakeholders to support their leadership in the sector and commitment to lifting sector performance.
Information will be gathered from the sector through surveys and relationship management processes to understand the needs of the sector and the ways in which the implementation of the Building Act 2004 is impacting on the sector.
Information will be gathered from relationship management processes, BCA case managers, the BCA accreditation process, and other departmental processes to help us understand the implementation issues and work with the sector to develop strategies to overcome the barriers as they arise.
A key part of overcoming the barriers will be to provide information and tailored support to the sector and Local Authorities that is:
- timely
- easily accessible and understood
- relevant to the issues raised by the sector and the Local Authorities.
|
Building Consent Authority capacity and capability
There is a risk that some councils' level of prepared-ness and current capacity limitations could prevent them from achieving accreditation and, subsequent to accreditation, progressing through the next phase. |
Supporting local government's accreditation progress
Continuing to work with Territorial Authorities and Local Government New Zealand to monitor progress and develop with the sector strategies for sharing effective solutions and streamlining processes. |
Effectiveness of the WHRS reforms
There is a risk that the outcomes expected by claimants and stakeholders from the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act 2006 will not be realised. |
The Department will continue to work closely with key stakeholder groups in the administration of the WHRS reforms. The Department has implemented a programme to monitor the impact and results being achieved under the new Act.
The Department will continue work on issues that have been raised by Territorial Authorities and provide advice to Government.
|
Capacity, capability and infrastructure
There is a risk that departmental capacity, capability and infrastructure which is being built at the same time as delivering on a substantial work programme in a changing environment may result in significant demands and pressure on the Department. This could compromise the quality of the reforms for which we are accountable and the health and wellbeing of our people. |
Building capacity and capability at all levels
The Department has put in place the first components of an Employee Engagement System including a team leader training programme, a leadership development programme for all staff with leadership accountabilities, a new induction programme and technical training for staff. In addition, an Organisational Development Plan has been put in place which sets clear priorities for core organisational systems development. |
Financial pressures
There is a risk that with reducing appropriations and additional functions being expected of the Department that the quality of the work and capacity to deliver will be compromised. |
Managing with limited resources
Work with the Minister to agree priorities for use of resources and the scope of work.
The Department will work to evidence its cost effectiveness and ensure that additional work is appropriately resourced.
The Department will work to maintain capacity and flexibility of approach to enable an effective response to new expectations.
|