TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE UPDATE
Beginning the design phase Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant presents the January update on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group
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HE Structure Co-ordination and Design Group (SCDG) has hit the ground running at the start of this new year. Significant progress was made in 2021 but 2022 will be busy and, we pray, result in local mission flourishing as well as the streamlining and integration of headquarters. The project has four stages: Listening (autumn/winter 2021), Design (winter/ spring 2022), Impact Analysis (summer/ autumn 2022) and Implementation (winter 2022 to summer 2023). Thank you to everyone who’s already contributed to Stage 1 (Listening). Your comments have been encouraging, challenging and helpful, and have provided a strong base for the Divisional Design Groups (DDGs) to start their work. Thank you for spending time reflecting on what is preventing mission from flourishing locally and helping us understand how we can work together to remove obstacles. The Research and Design Unit at THQ is busy analysing all your feedback. It’s an epic task and we’re grateful for the unit’s professionalism and skill. We hope to be able to share their initial conclusions in the February SCDG update. Stage 2 (Design) is now under way. Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main has worked with divisional leaders to identify people to lead and take part in each DDG. We’re grateful to all who have graciously accepted their nomination to take part. The DDGs are beginning their work and five THQ Service Design Groups (Chief Secretary’s Office, Business Administration, Personnel, Communications and Mission) will be collaborating with the DDGs on solutions to the issues raised in Stage 1 and any others that arise.
WHO IS LEADING EACH DDG? O East Midlands DDG: Major Brian Slinn (divisional commander, East Midlands) O East of England DDG: Ann Howlett20
Salvationist 29 January 2022
Foster (Cambridge Citadel, Central East) O Ireland DDG: Colonel Neil Webb (divisional commander, Ireland) O London DDG: Major Mark Rose (corps officer, Hendon, North London) O North East DDG: Major David Burns (divisional commander, North East England) O North West DDG: Major David Taylor (divisional commander, North West) O Scotland DDG: Lieut-Colonel Carol Bailey (secretary for Scotland and divisional commander, East Scotland) O South East DDG: Major Mark Herbert (divisional commander, South East) O South West DDG: Lynn Moore (Forest of Dean, Severn and Somerset) O Southern DDG: Major Mike LloydJones (divisional commander, Central South) O Wales DDG: Nick Redmore (head of Research and Development, THQ) O West Midlands DDG: Major Adrian Allman (corps officer, Birmingham Citadel, West Midlands) O Yorkshire DDG: Major Alan Norton (corps officer, Barton-upon-Humber, Yorkshire South with Humber) You’ll notice that DDGs don’t match with all our current divisions, but no one should assume that this is a list of new divisions. For example, no decision has been taken on the number of divisions in Scotland; and we are still learning from the newer divisions – nothing is decided yet. One of the DDGs’ tasks will be to review the current divisional boundaries and to collaborate with neighbouring DDGs on what processes and structures will enable local mission to flourish. WHO IS IN EACH DDG? The chief secretary encouraged each division to nominate 12 people to their DDG who have a range of life and Army experiences, as well as giftings and skillsets, so that as many voices as possible are represented across the
groups. Our DDGs include corps and DHQ officers, Lifehouse staff, local officers, chaplains, those with a ministry focus on community, youth, children and prisons, Police Service professionals, solicitors and NHS executives, to name a few. WHAT WILL THE GROUPS DO? The DDGs have four main tasks: 1. Review the feedback gathered during Stage 1. 2. Review processes and structures currently in use and refer issues to THQ where five Service Design Groups will work to find solutions. 3. Review divisional boundaries and make proposals following discussions with neighbouring DDGs. 4. Propose processes and structures that will support local mission so that it flourishes. Prayer must be the foundation of everything we do, so the DDGs are expected to spend time in prayer and to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit throughout their discussions. DDG chairs and members will be supported by the SCDG with these challenging tasks. HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED? Please continue to pray for our DDGs and Service Design Groups. Please ask that the Spirit leads their work and that a collaborative heart beats in all they do. Also, please do keep in touch with your feedback at transformation@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Thank you for your encouragement, support and willingness to share your wisdom.
LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ
