RMIT University

Organisational reviews 2011

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do we have organisational reviews?

Organisational reviews are an important part of RMIT's quality assurance and improvement processes. Over a seven year cycle, each of the different areas in RMIT has an opportunity to reflect and to get input from stakeholders and external experts on how they are travelling, what they are contributing to RMIT's strategic objectives and how they might develop in the future.

Why is the organisational review system changing?

The previous system was established in 2004. After nearly seven years, it was timely to review the organisational review process, in line with a key recommendation from the organisational review of the Policy and Planning Group in 2009.

There have been changes to external quality assurance frameworks, and there is an increasing desire within RMIT to focus on quality improvement (rather than quality assurance). The new system has a strong strategic focus, aligned to RMIT's strategic goals of being a "global, urban and connected" university.

Was there a problem with the old system?

Yes and no.

The outcomes of the reviews have contributed significantly to organisational change and improved performance. The conduct of the reviews themselves has been praised by both internal and external participants for the thoroughness of the process and the quality of the reports.

At the same time, the broad terms of reference and rigorous approach of the old system had consequences. The reviews attended to a wide range of issues rather than direction by the senior Executive, preparation of the self-assessment was time-consuming, panels were faced with a wide range of issues to consider, and the report and action plan both took a significant amount of time to produce.

How is the new system different from the old system?

The new system will ensure that reviews take a strong strategic focus and that the outcomes are firmly embedded in local and college/portfolio workplans. The senior Executive member responsible for the area being reviewed has a strong leadership role in framing and following through on the reviews.

Detail on the differences between the old the new systems are provided here.

We are still working on our action plan from the old system, do we need to go on reporting?

Yes.

Reporting will continue as in the past. An update on previously incomplete actions should be provided in March and September, to inform reports to VCE, and a summary of achievements arising from the review should be provided in September, to inform a report to Council.

As now, reporting will finish when the senior Executive for your area recommends and VCE agrees, that the action plan is substantively complete.

Note that once an action is embedded in an operational plan, it is regarded as substantively complete.

Will we still need to follow through on our action plan from the old system?

Yes.

Our area was reviewed under the old system, how long is it likely to be before we are reviewed again?

Probably not before 2015. The review system has been extended to include college and portfolio offices so there are a considerable number of areas which have not yet been reviewed.

However VCE will be revisiting the schedule annually. They may bring forward areas for review if there are concerns about the area’s performance or suggestions for potential opportunities indicate that earlier attention would be useful.

The review schedule is available on this website.

Where can I find the report on our review under the old system?

All reports and original and updated action plans will continue to be available via www.rmit.edu.au/quality/reportsandactionplans (log-in required).

When will my area be reviewed?

It will be revisiting the schedule annually and will confirm areas for review the following year by the end of November. The schedule may change to bring forward an area for review where there are opportunities to explore or risks to manage. VCE has concerns about performance or risk, or sees opportunities.

When our area is reviewed, what opportunities will there be for staff to have input into the review?

Opportunities for staff input are built into the system:

• the online survey: a small number of staff will be included in an online survey of stakeholders, to be held about three months out from the review visit.

• the review visit: staff will also be included in the interview program for the review panel.

How can I find out more about the new system?

QCU will be holding roadshows for stakeholders during July and August 2011 – contact Heena Pandya at QCU if you would like to attend. QCU will also be organising a briefing session for areas participating in forthcoming reviews. Details of this will be sent to the areas involved once the review schedule is finalised.

Any questions?

If you should have any further questions, please fill out the form below and a QCU team member will get back to you as soon as possible.