A major legislative reform represented a significant shift in Australia’s aged care system, embedding a more people-centred approach and redefining government’s role as system steward.
As the reform transitioned from implementation into enduring delivery, a Federal Government group needed to assess whether its organisational functions, capabilities and accountabilities were aligned to operate effectively under the new legislative framework. Holan Group was engaged to support a functional alignment project focused on the transition to sustainable business-as-usual operations.
The challenge
Several years of rapid expansion had enabled the design and implementation of major reforms, including a new legislative framework. However, this growth also created complexity across functions, roles and decision-making arrangements that had not been designed for long-term system stewardship.
Key challenges included fragmented functional ownership, gaps between legislative requirements and existing operating arrangements, emerging operational risks and transitional arrangements without a clear pathway to a mature operating model.
Approach
Holan undertook a structured, group-wide review of the functions required under the new legislative framework. The work included:
- Mapping legislative requirements — aligning obligations and responsibilities to existing organisational functions and ownership.
- Assessing functional alignment — reviewing functions against the organisation’s Business Services Model.
- Identifying gaps and dependencies — examining functional gaps, overlaps, risks and interdependencies across organisational areas.
- Clarifying the nature of gaps — categorising identified issues as strategic, operational or policy ownership matters.
- Considering future operating states — assessing interim, transitional and mature arrangements as the organisation moved towards enduring delivery.
Outcome
A shared view of required functions. The project established a clearer understanding of the functions required to deliver and steward the aged care system under the new legislative framework.
Greater accountability. Functional mapping improved clarity around roles, responsibilities and organisational ownership, highlighting areas where policy and operational accountability required further consideration.
Priority risks identified. The review identified concentrations of functional gaps relating to expanded system stewardship powers, reviewable decisions, policy ownership and the integration of rights and principles into operational activities.
A pathway to enduring delivery. The project provided a structured basis for organisational, resourcing and operating model decisions as the group transitioned from reform implementation to business-as-usual delivery.
By aligning organisational functions with the requirements of major legislative reform, the project strengthened the group’s readiness to fulfil its system stewardship role. The work supports clearer accountability, more sustainable operating arrangements and consistent delivery across a complex and evolving system.
Want to learn more?
Holan is an approved supplier on the Australian Government’s People Panel Phase 3 across the majority of service categories, making it easier for Commonwealth agencies to access our experienced professionals through a trusted whole-of-government procurement arrangement.
We support agencies undertaking major reform by providing experienced consultants across strategic advisory, organisational design, program delivery, change management and workforce capability.
Our specialists integrate seamlessly with existing teams, helping organisations transition from reform implementation to sustainable business-as-usual operations while minimising delivery risk.
What We Offer
Strategic Advisory
Helping organisations translate government priorities into practical delivery strategies, governance arrangements and operating models.
Organisational Design & Functional Alignment
Reviewing functions, roles and accountabilities to strengthen organisational performance and support long-term system stewardship.
Program & Project Management
Experienced professionals who establish governance, coordinate delivery and maintain momentum across complex reform initiatives.
Change Management & Transition
Supporting organisations to embed new ways of working, build capability and transition successfully to business-as-usual operations.
Embedded Professional Services
High-calibre specialists who integrate quickly with existing teams to provide immediate capability and delivery support.
Frequently asked questions
What is functional alignment?
Functional alignment is the process of ensuring an organisation's functions, responsibilities and accountabilities support its strategic, legislative and operational requirements.
Why is functional alignment important during major reform?
Major reform can create new responsibilities, risks and ways of working. Functional alignment helps organisations identify gaps and ensure operating arrangements remain fit for purpose as reforms move into enduring delivery.
What does a functional alignment review involve?
It can include mapping requirements to existing functions, assessing organisational ownership, identifying gaps and overlaps, and considering dependencies across teams and service areas.
How does functional alignment support operating model decisions?
It provides evidence about where functions should sit, where accountability needs clarification and where capability or resourcing gaps may affect delivery.
What makes a functional alignment project effective?
A structured assessment of requirements, clear functional mapping and consideration of both current and future operating states help create a practical pathway to sustainable delivery.
