Co-design placed based enduring model of good governance for Indigenous Health sector – harnessing cultural knowledge and systems, while balancing the requirement of post-colonised ways of thinking and funding.
Creating a legacy for future generations to prosper
The community controlled health sector’s intent is to enable regional Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) to deliver strong health outcomes to their communities and create a legacy for future generations to prosper.
Everywhen acknowledged the success of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation’s (ACCHO) model of care to date, and the confidence of commissioning bodies in the services provided. We partnered with a Community Controlled Health Organisation (CCHO) to deliver six core functions of board governance for exceptional value creation. We strived to:
- Equip the Board with a strong understanding of board effectiveness
- Establish foundations for a contemporary model of governance which acknowledges Indigenous and non-Indigenous governance and ways of thinking and operation
- Generate understanding of best practice operating models in working with regional communities – how to practically enable with the right tools for true empowerment; and
- Create a willingness to explore exceptional value creation for sustained success and improved health outcomes via innovative, enduring solutions
Everywhen was sensitive to the longevity of the Board Chair and various Elders and community members on the Board – who remain committed to community and health equity. We also acknowledged the strong relationships that have been developed regionally as part of the CCHO’s geographical service delivery, and importantly, the desire to enable self-determination for these communities.
Delivering a model of governance that will provide sustained board effectiveness
Everywhen’s experience with the ACCHO sector – obtained over a number of years – positioned us well to incorporate our deep understanding of the complexities and cultural nuances of community health service delivery into workable solutions for the Board.
We worked closely with the Board to clearly define its operating functions, its effectiveness, and its individual members’ ability to influence Board ambition and value creation across the regions it serviced. These outcomes helped Everywhen to design and deliver six interactive workshops, conducted monthly – focussing on establishing two key outcomes:
- Structure – (establishment of a board effectiveness framework)
- Performance – (agreed indicators to measure Board effectiveness)
Everywhen’s personal engagement with Board members (to elicit information and build understanding) was critical in shaping the formation of a governance effectiveness framework.
The workshop methodology included delivery of the six functions of good governance that are key determinants of effective Board operation.
Achieving meaningful social and economic Independence through capacity building and empowerment
Everywhen’s personal interactive approach is designed to elicit the right information from the right community Board members for the right outcomes. Key requirements included:
- Opportunity to co-design, develop and test the new Governance model
- Development of unique and enduring models of governance within community that harness local knowledge and systems
- Balancing the requirements of western thinking and funding models to ensure the workability and sustainability of community and local governance
Everywhen helped deliver a model of governance that will provide sustained board effectiveness and exceptional value creation. This will greatly enhance CCHO’s potential to excel as a leader – supporting the regions to deliver exceptional health services and outcomes for community.