3 minute read
Territorial structure update
Improving key processes and structures
Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant presents the April update on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group
THE Structure Co-ordination and Design project continues to make progress towards three desired outcomes: Transformation Increase the capacity of locally based Salvation
Army work to contribute to the territory’s five mission priorities (share the good news; nurture disciples of Jesus; care for creation; serve others without discrimination; seek justice and reconciliation) Integration Build strong and effective collaboration between all aspects of Salvation Army work in a geographical area Streamlining Design appropriate, effective, efficient and sustainable structures and processes that enable local mission to flourish
To achieve these outcomes, the project has four main stages: Stage 1, Listening, was completed in January 2022 and a report has been circulated (see salvationarmy.org.uk/localmission-flourish for more information). Stage 2, Design, is under way and will be completed in the next few weeks. Thirteen Divisional Design Groups (DDGs) and Service Design Groups (SDGs) are involved in identifying process and structure issues that are hindering local mission flourishing and are proposing solutions. They are using information that was gathered in Stage 1 as well as sharing their own experience, insight and wisdom. More than 130 people are involved in this process.
WHAT HAVE THE DIVISIONAL DESIGN GROUPS BEEN WORKING ON?
The 13 DDGs have submitted more than 300 suggestions to improve key processes and structures in order to help local mission flourish. Understandably, there are many duplicates so the Structure Coordination and Design Group, along with the SDGs, is currently reviewing all the information and will be feeding back in due course.
The DDGs have also discussed divisional boundaries. There are currently 20 divisions (reduced from 22 to allow for interim divisions in North West, East of England and Wales) and there is general agreement that we need fewer divisions. No final decisions have been taken on the exact number or any boundary changes.
Cabinet has agreed that any new divisional boundaries will align with local authority and county boundaries. It has also been agreed that ‘one size does not fit all’, so divisions will not all be the same size or necessarily be staffed identically. The priority is to ensure that DHQ serves the local mission units so that they can flourish.
Finalising divisional boundaries will be a challenging task. DDGs have carefully considered many factors such as culture, language, history, geography and overall size of possible divisions. Some DDGs have given a few options as there is not one obvious answer. All the DDG recommendations will be carefully considered by the SCDG.
The final task for the DDGs is considering what support is needed for local mission to flourish and what oversight would look like. Each DDG is using the same minimum set of building blocks to help them strategically reimagine the division’s structures and processes, considering what needs to be done and how it could be delivered. They have received guidance on non-negotiable processes, such as those determined by governments, regulators and headquarters – the building blocks will guide them to make focused recommendations that enhance local mission rather than limit creativity.
HAS THERE BEEN ANY DEVELOPMENT FROM THE SERVICE DESIGN GROUPS?
The Service Design Groups have received all the DDGs’ feedback. Some of the questions, issues or suggestions raised were not a surprise. Significant work is currently ongoing to tackle many of the DDGs’ concerns. For example, the Property Department has reviewed its performance and has identified ways to ensure its work is effective and efficient and is implementing plans that will have a tangible impact. However, many DDGs have submitted several new insights and proposals that will significantly help the SDGs in their planning. We will keep you updated as the SDGs work through the DDGs’ input and respond.
HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED?
While much of the work is currently being done by our DDGs and SDGs, we’d still love to hear from you. Why not tell us how mission is flourishing where you are by sending an email to transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk? It’s encouraging to see how God is at work and to hear from those who have found their way to Jesus because of the ministry you are called to locally. You can also contact this email address to share further feedback or encouragement.
Thank you for your continuing encouragement, patience and prayers as we work through this process. May God continue to bless you in your life and ministry.
