In 2003, Whyalla City Council’s policies and procedures for managing volunteers and other groups that come onto Council’s work sites were reviewed. A risk management report prepared by the South Australian Local Government Association’s Mutual Liability Scheme had prompted this review.
“In general terms the report stated that Councils needed to tighten up on the way they engaged, inducted and managed volunteers and other non-employee groups at Council,” said Carmel Westbrook, Whyalla’s Human Resource Manager. “There was a concern that Councils were compromising their risk profiles by treating these members of the community as if they were employees, but were not providing them with proper induction and appropriate management.”
New policies and procedures for Whyalla’s volunteers were then drafted and presented to a group of user departments, supervisors, senior management and external providers and participants. Following extensive consultation these procedures were adopted and implemented Council wide.
“Council connects with it’s community through it’s use of volunteers and, that by introducing a more formalised approach to their wellbeing and safety indicates their value and standing within Council,” Carmel Westbrook said.
“It was critical that once in place, Council officers who work with these groups carefully follow the policy and procedures. In this way community members are protected and Council protects itself from legal liability, so important in these days of difficult to obtain insurance cover for so many community events.”
In October last year, at the Annual General Meeting of the Local Government Association of South Australia, Whyalla City Council was awarded the Mutual Liability Scheme’s prize for its excellence in risk management. This award recognises the time, effort and commitment that Council’s Risk Management Committee, and all of Council employees, have put in to addressing risk management issues.
“Council has many diverse areas of responsibility all requiring individual assessment and implementation,” said Mayor Jim Pollock. “This wonderful result could not have been achieved without the guidance and hard work of the Committee and the dedication and cooperation of the employees of Council.”
A cheque for $7,000 and a Waterford Crystal vase was presented to Whyalla City Council as recognition of this achievement.
For further information contact Carmel Westbrook, Human Resource Manager and Chairperson Risk Committee on (08) 8640 3444.
