Progress of Action 3.11

Context

This action requires CFA to develop internal policies to support SLDA and schedule arrangements. Key action deliverables for action 3.11 are duplicated in action 3.9: 

1. Review and update of Interoperability Procedures (IPs) underpinning the CFA/FRV Joint Operational Activity MOU.
2. Harmonisation of operational doctrine via the established doctrine working group.

Progress summary

As at 30 June 2023, CFA reported this action as completed but had not submitted the acquittal form. FSIM notes that key deliverables for action 3.11, are replicated in action 3.9. Work in action 3.9 continues. FSIM understands that CFA intends to update the deliverables for action 3.9 to ensure CFA’s internal policies and procedures support the arrangements outlined in the OOSA, SLDA and Schedules, Secondment Agreement and Supplementary Instruments.

1. Review and update Interoperability Procedures underpinning the CFA/FRV Joint Operational Activity Memorandum of Understanding

The FSOC Doctrine Sub-Committee is accountable for maintaining IPs, including coordination of new procedures and periodical review of existing procedures.^[35] The Sub-Committee acknowledges the review is a large program of work requiring significant resourcing and subject matter expertise. In reviewing IPs. The Sub-Committee found one IP that was no longer relevant in the new operating environment^[36] and that two new IPs needed to be developed to address changes brought about by reform - the ‘Activation for Incidents where CFA requires FRV support for fire investigation’ and ‘CFA FRV BA Cylinder filling at FRV locations’ and are outlined in further detail in action 3.7.

Due to limited CFA resourcing, FRV is currently taking the lead on reviewing the IPs and notes that some previous Joint Standard Operating Procedures (JSOPs) will no longer be relevant in the new operating environment. Once a review is completed, relevant IPs will be updated to reflect current practices and processing.

In Q4 FY 2022-23, the FSOC Policy and Doctrine Interoperability Subcommittee completed a gap analysis against current IPs and existing JSOPs and identified associated gaps. The findings were with agencies for feedback with the intention to develop an endorsed workplan to FSOC. The gap analysis will provide recommendations related to the review, new IP development or archiving of old JSOPs.

2. Harmonise operational doctrine via the established doctrine working group

The FSOC Doctrine Sub-Committee is accountable for coordinating the development, consultation, approval and implementation of any doctrine or policy that is required between CFA and FRV to guide operational activity.^[37] The Sub-Committee is currently focused on the review and update of IPs but intends to (as BAU), develop a workplan and processes for ongoing harmonisation of operational doctrine. As outlined in the action 3.9 progress summary, CFA and FRV worked collaboratively to prepare a process workflow to outline the approval process for IPs SLDA schedules and Secondment Agreement supplementary instruments to improve transparency and support a consistent approach. FSIM noted evidence that this process will be adapted to underpin ongoing harmonisation of CFA and FRV operational doctrine via the Doctrine Sub-Committee, which will allow for consistency of approach between the operational governance (FSOC) and strategic governance (HoA). 

3. Ensure internal policies and procedures support the arrangements in the Service Level Deeds of Agreement and schedules

As outlined in the action 3.9 progress summary, work to finalise some of the SLDA schedules is significantly delayed. CFA advises that, following completion of the development of the SLDA schedules, CFA intends to undertake an analysis of both SLDAs and all schedules against internal policies and procedures to ensure alignment, noting this work has not yet started.

While there remains a considerable number of SLDA schedules outstanding, there is a process through FSOC (and its sub-committees) to ensure accountability for coordinating the development, consultation, approval and implementation of any joint doctrine or policy that is required between CFA and FRV to guide operational activity. 

Findings

FSIM finds action 3.11 is implemented, given CFA intend to update the deliverables for action 3.9 to ensure CFA’s internal policies and procedures support the arrangements outlined in the OOSA, SLDA and Schedules, Secondment Agreement and Supplementary Instruments and given there is an accountability structure in place via action 3.7.

FSIM has not yet completed an effectiveness assessment of this action against its objective.

Footnotes

[35] Doctrine FRV/CFA FSOC Sub-Committee Terms of Reference.

[36] The Aviation IP which is now covered under State Aviation doctrine.

[37] Doctrine FRV/CFA FSOC Sub-Committee Terms of Reference.