While strategic assessments offer many potential benefits, experience to date suggests that there are a set of ingredients that need to be in place for the process to be successful (see Table 1). When considering a strategic assessment, it is recommended that assessment partners consider this list and how well it applies to their project. Ingredient Comment The timing has to be right to start a strategic assessment. For example, there needs to be a clear link with a state or territory process to ensure that integration of the outcomes can be achieved. Timing It is critical that a Program is not so advanced in its development that changes cannot be made to it to protect matters of national environmental significance. There needs to be a clear imperative from the assessment partner to Imperative enter into and complete the assessment. Lack of imperative may result in the process drifting. Leadership from both the assessment partner and the Australian Government is critical. Management of the process at an ‘inadequate’ Leadership level has major risks as the process unfolds. Governance arrangements involving senior engagement from both parties should be established early in the process. Strategic assessments are a collaborative process. Collaboration at all Collaboration at levels between the assessment partner and the Australian Government all levels is necessary to move the process forward and deal with the difficult issues. Developing and maintaining an honest approach to the assessment is Honesty critical. This is the approach that is most likely to generate trust and provide opportunities to achieve the best outcomes. Both parties need to set and then meet clear expectations. Clear Expectation communication around the ability to meet expectations is critical management throughout the process. An ongoing focus on the outcomes to be achieved is vital. Outcomes Outcome focus need to be developed early in the project by both parties and referred to throughout. Agreed timelines Having clearly agreed timelines and proactively managing the project and project throughout the process are vital for both parties. management Table : Ingredients for a successful strategic assessment
While strategic assessments offer many potential benefits, experience to date suggests that there are a set of ingredients that need to be in place for the process to be successful (see Table 1). When considering a strategic assessment, it is recommended that assessment partners consider this list and how well it applies to their project. Ingredient Comment Timing The timing has to be right to start a strategic assessment. For example, there needs to be a clear link with a state or territory process to ensure that integration of the outcomes can be achieved. It is critical that a Program is not so advanced in its development that changes cannot be made to it to protect matters of national environmental significance. Imperative There needs to be a clear imperative from the assessment partner to enter into and complete the assessment. Lack of imperative may result in the process drifting. Leadership Leadership from both the assessment partner and the Australian Government is critical. Management of the process at an ‘inadequate’ level has major risks as the process unfolds. Governance arrangements involving senior engagement from both parties should be established early in the process. Collaboration at all levels Strategic assessments are a collaborative process. Collaboration at all levels between the assessment partner and the Australian Government is necessary to move the process forward and deal with the difficult issues. Honesty Developing and maintaining an honest approach to the assessment is critical. This is the approach that is most likely to generate trust and provide opportunities to achieve the best outcomes. Expectation management Both parties need to set and then meet clear expectations. Clear communication around the ability to meet expectations is critical throughout the process. Outcome focus An ongoing focus on the outcomes to be achieved is vital. Outcomes need to be developed early in the project by both parties and referred to throughout. Agreed timelines and project management Having clearly agreed timelines and proactively managing the project throughout the process are vital for both parties. Table : Ingredients for a successful strategic assessment
strategic-assessment-guide_1.docx