Governing the City State - Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate ...

As part of this work, the Review recommends creation of a senior position in the proposedChief Minister’s Department responsible for knowledge and information management for thewhole ACTPS. There is a clear need to focus more effort and attention on strategic planningand management of the ACT Government’s information technology needs, while continuingto enhance operational delivery on a day to day basisConcerns were also expressed about InTACT’s performance in the analysis of complexsystems, understanding the user requirements and delivering a robust solution to fullexpectation. In part, these concerns were linked to difficulties flowing from the absence of abroader strategic plan leading to attempts to take on a large number of requests at the sametime rather than genuinely prioritizing effort.Shared Services Governance ArrangementsThe clarity of governance arrangements for shared services was raised consistently inconsultations. These arrangements are critical to the success of this function, and must beginwith the clear structural and operational separation of the Shared Services business unit fromits “host department”. Moreover, the governance arrangements need to reflect and serve thecollective interests of the ACTPS and not agency level priorities.The majority of state and territory governments have established shared services providers.While the functions differ, core services generally include “human resources”, financialservices and ICT. In most cases, the function sits with the Treasury agency. A notableexception is Queensland Shared Services, which sits within the Department of Public Works(DPW). The DPW incorporates project services, Queensland fleet, strategic projects, buildingpolicy, State archives, ICT & telecommunications, legal services, human resources, andfinancial services.The current Shared Services Governing Committee (SSGC) provides both governance andstewardship of Shared Services in its delivery of services across the ACTPS. Membership ofthe SSGC is the same as the current Management Council (with the Head of Shared Servicesattending as an advisor). The SSGC is supported by sub-committees which oversee theoperational arms of shared services. It is critical that the SSGC provide strategic direction aswell as support to the Head of Shared Services, and function as a Board of Directors for thatbusiness unit. For this reason, the Review recommends it continue separate from the ACTPSStrategic Board. The Review also recommends the Board’s terms of reference and thesubsequent service standard agreements be reviewed to reflect the division of policy andoperational responsibilities (see Chapter 6).Expanding Shared ServicesFour years after establishment of Shared Services, it has been timely to review the services itprovides. The corporate governance model established through creation of Shared Services isready-made for inclusion of other whole of government service delivery functions.Administrative Arrangements Changes: 138