A Commonwealth agency responsible for delivering integrity, investigations and related regulatory functions sought an independent assessment of whether its operating model remained fit for purpose.
Increasing workload complexity, competing priorities and evolving stakeholder expectations had created a need to better understand the function’s current strengths, risks and future requirements.
Holan was engaged to undertake a functional review and provide an evidence-based foundation for future planning. The agency wanted practical insights that would support decision-making regarding governance, workforce capability, workload management and long-term sustainability.
The challenge
The function performed a broad range of activities including investigations, complaints management, stakeholder engagement, reporting, prevention initiatives and governance responsibilities. Demand was often influenced by matters outside the team’s direct control, creating variation in workload and operational complexity.
Leaders needed greater visibility of workforce capacity, workload distribution and operational priorities. Existing arrangements had evolved over time and there was a desire to ensure structures, governance and processes remained aligned to both current and future business requirements.
The agency also wanted a practical mechanism for defining what success would look like in the future and identifying improvement opportunities that could be implemented over time.
Approach
Holan applied a structured review methodology designed to capture multiple perspectives and translate findings into practical future-state outcomes.
- Engaging stakeholders — Undertaking executive consultation, staff engagement activities and facilitated workshops to understand operational challenges, strengths and future priorities.
- Assessing operations — Reviewing organisational structures, governance arrangements, workforce capability, workload management practices and service delivery processes.
- Defining future outcomes — Developing clear future-state outcomes describing what an effective, sustainable and high-performing function would look like.
- Designing options — Preparing operating model options and improvement scenarios to support Executive decision-making and future planning.
- Prioritising improvements — Identifying practical opportunities to strengthen capability, governance, workload management and organisational sustainability.
Outcome
Improved organisational insight.
The agency gained a consolidated understanding of the function’s operating environment, bringing together leadership perspectives, staff feedback and operational analysis into a single evidence base for decision-making.
Clearer future direction.
Future-state outcomes provided shared clarity regarding the desired operating environment across workforce capability, governance, workload management, systems and service delivery.
More informed decision-making.
Executive leaders were provided with practical operating model options and supporting analysis to guide considerations regarding structure, governance, workforce capability and resource requirements.
A foundation for sustainable improvement.
The review identified opportunities to strengthen workforce resilience, improve prioritisation, enhance governance arrangements and support sustainable delivery into the future.
Want to learn more?
Government functions operating in complex regulatory, integrity, assurance and service delivery environments often experience increasing workload pressures, evolving stakeholder expectations and changing operational demands.
Holan Group helps agencies undertake independent functional reviews, assess operating effectiveness and develop practical pathways that strengthen capability, governance and organisational sustainability.
Speak with our team about how we can support your next functional review, operating model assessment or organisational improvement initiative.
What We Offer
Functional Reviews
Independent reviews that assess effectiveness, capability, governance and organisational performance.
Operating Model Design
Future-state operating models aligned to strategic priorities, workforce requirements and service delivery needs.
Workforce Capability Reviews
Assessments that examine workforce capacity, resilience, capability and future workforce requirements.
Governance Reviews
Reviews that strengthen decision-making, accountability and organisational oversight arrangements.
Improvement Roadmaps
Practical implementation roadmaps that translate findings into prioritised and achievable actions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a functional review?
A functional review provides an independent assessment of how effectively a team or function is operating and identifies opportunities for improvement.
What does an operating model review examine?
Operating model reviews consider structures, governance, workforce capability, roles, processes and service delivery arrangements.
Can functional reviews support workforce planning?
Yes, they can identify workforce capability, capacity and sustainability considerations that inform future planning.
How are staff involved in the review process?
Staff are typically engaged through interviews, workshops, surveys and consultation activities.
What outcomes can organisations expect from a functional review?
Organisations receive evidence-based insights, future-state outcomes and practical options to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
