A regional approach to human resources and training, put in place by the Human Resource and Joint Training Team at the Hunter Region Organisation of Councils (HROC), is proving a good example of the efficiencies obtained through voluntary structural reform. Developed in response to increased training needs of its member Councils, HROC had identified significant opportunities to reduce duplication, achieve economies of scale and create synergy through collaboration.
“What resulted was the establishment of a project team, development of a business plan, and appointment of a full time officer responsible for the regional coordination of training,” said Bob Wiltshire, Regional Training Coordinator at HROC.“HROC is able to share the resources existing in each Council, ensure the viability of specialised training courses by involving all Councils, and progress regional initiatives.”
Meeting regularly throughout 2000 and 2001, HROC’s HR and Joint Training Team developed an ongoing business plan for regional training. Outcomes include web based resources for the use of member Councils, and the undertaking of several vocational training courses involving 50 people across the Councils.
“Small Councils have benefited by sharing the expertise and resources of larger and more well resourced Councils,” Bob Wiltshire said.“In some cases, the large Councils have generated an income steam from conducting training for the group. Other financial benefits include costs savings to all Councils. The wider community benefits through better trained, more capable staff, particularly in small rural Councils. Staff become more multi skilled and qualified, which assists them to adapt to uncertain and changing labour markets.”
For further information, contact Bob Wiltshire on (02) 4962 0911.
