Side by side Volunteer news | July – August 2017
In this issue 2 Phil Rankin: We live in changing times 3 Your stories 4 Wairoa Station coffee and cake
Welcome
Volunteers are the backbone of St John in our communities. From emergency ambulance to community events, caring callers, health shuttles, FEDs, opportunity shops, Area Committee members and Youth leaders St John could not deliver the range of care and services it does without volunteers. It was fantastic to be part of this year’s Youth Festival hosted by Central Region held in my home town of Whanganui in April. The Chair of the Regional Trust Board Jeremy Stubbs (now retired) and I were amazed at the level of commitment from our Youth and their supporters. Having the Lord Prior, Sir Malcolm Ross, and Lady Susan share a meal with cadets in the mess hall, and then go on to witness a rousing Haka in the auditorium during prize
giving capped off a hugely successful weekend. Sir Malcolm was impressed with the St John Youth strategy and our commitment to growing, arguably, New Zealand's best youth programme. Witnessing the best of the best of our Youth compete was a further demonstration of the strength of our youth organisation and also the commitment of the hundreds of volunteers who support and lead our St John Youth programme. In May we launched Friends of the Emergency Department at Hutt hospital in Lower Hutt. Our former Chancellor, Gary Wilson, volunteered for the first shift to kick off what will become an enduring partnership with the District Health Board and local community. This service is only possible by recruiting a new legion of volunteers in Lower Hutt. Also in May the Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne visited Regional Headquarters and met with staff and volunteers, including our long serving Health Shuttle driver Bill Hill. Minister Dunne spoke at length about the
Rewarding our treasures
5 Youth divisional manager receives MOH Award
Bay of Plenty volunteer dinner
7 FED volunteer Margaret Brown on Good Sorts
Mark Kerr on The Café show
Congratulations: Volunteer of the Month
8 VSS implementation plan update
VSG's Myrene McLeod
9 On-road/off-road relationships research project update
Volunteer Exchange Programme: call for hosts
Check out our parental leave guide
Uniform update
We need donors in Hamilton
10 Side by Side News going digital 11 CEO Peter Bradley on RNZ show
Fit for duty – fit for life!
Taking the Pulse reminder
Volunteers July – August 2017
value of volunteers to the health system and people of New Zealand. I recently received an invitation to a gettogether with the Waikato Hospitallers Club. Being relatively new to St John, I had a great afternoon of learning and listening to stories over a cup of tea. The rich history of Associate Minister of Health decades of community Peter Dunne with Health Shuttle service was evident. It was Driver Bill Hill great to see volunteers continue to maintain relationships with our wider St John family with these regular gatherings. As we update our mission, “We step forward, when help is needed, for better, for life”, I am reminded of the volunteerism and community service which is the foundation of our organisation. I thank all those who volunteer and all those who support our volunteers to enable them to serve our communities. Andrew Boyd General Manager, Central Region
Phil Rankin: We live in changing times If you’re a Frontline Ambulance (Operations) volunteer, then you will have received a letter from both Norma Lane, Clinical Operations Director, Phil Rankin – Volunteer and Sue Steen, Human Ambulance Officer and Resources Director, Volunteers Advisor on 1 June 2017. The letter was sent to help volunteers understand what the Government’s extra funding announcement (to achieve double crewing over a four year period) could mean for our volunteer workforce. The successful funding announcement will certainly help with improving clinical outcomes for our patients as well as improve the health and safety environment for our people. I’m sure no one will disagree with the motivators behind double crewing because it simply makes sense. However, what this will mean may differ for each and it will often stem from what actually motivated each person and what drives them to continue to volunteer. I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in the Double Crewing Project (DCP) and it isn’t a simple process of just employing some more Ambulance Officers. It’s a whole new service delivery model (NSDM), developed to
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improve the use of all our resources (vehicles, volunteers, paid staff, other responders and facilities) for us to best meet the needs of our diverse communities. The project is being implemented with a high degree of thought and consideration – including for people – over the next four years. I know that volunteers are wondering if St John will simply phase out volunteering in Ambulance over the lifecycle of the project. Please remember that the NSDM incorporates and continues to integrate the use of volunteers. Our volunteer roles here could include crewing an additional vehicle or providing additional frontline resources, first response units and volunteering at events. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to apply for those available and suitable paid roles as well. Over the next four years I’m sure you will all hear more about the Double Crewing Project as it is progressively implemented. When the roll out of the DCP occurs in your local area I encourage you to take a keen interest and provide feedback on what is proposed. Your feedback is really important. I know the Project Team genuinely want to know what you think and will consider your responses in their ongoing decision-making and planning.
Taking the Pulse – our volunteer experience
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Taking the Pulse results. Under the Volunteer Sustainability Strategy and each annual work plan, the Volunteer Support Group and Unit (our Volunteer Talent Advisors) have been endeavouring to improve every aspect of the volunteer journey and experience. The volunteer experience is itself a new measure in Taking the Pulse. While we’re delighted with overall survey results and will continue to work with managers and colleagues to build on what’s been achieved, we’ll place a real focus on doing everything we can to grow the volunteer experience result even further next time the survey is undertaken. Thanks again to you, our volunteers across St John, for taking the time to complete the survey. Thanks too to all the managers, staff, VSG and VSU members who’ve done so much to maintain the necessary focus on volunteers and their engagement, satisfaction and experience.
Volunteers July – August 2017
Your stories Celebrating National Volunteer Week
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Volunteers July – August 2017
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Rewarding our treasures We know that we cannot operate without our incredible teams of volunteers who provide so many vital services to St John and to our communities. How can we say thank you apart from remembering to say thank you? We can be flexible to our volunteers needs and remember that they have busy working, family and social lives. By providing flexibility we will have happier volunteers for a longer time. We can think outside the box regarding the volunteer roles that we offer. For example, delivery and pick up drivers for the shops traditionally operate during shop opening hours but with a good system this is not essential, utilising those who want to volunteer but who still work. Is it better to have a dedicated volunteer who can offer two hours per week, rather than insisting on the more traditional shifts? I find that these people can be incredibly useful in helping us get on those jobs that seem to slip down the list.
Wairoa Station coffee and cake During the National Volunteer Week, Wairoa staff celebrated the event with paid staff taking out the volunteers to the East End Café for coffee and cake. It was really nice to sit around the table and all have a gossip without the pager going off. It was unfortunate that some of the volunteers could not make the morning tea but so they didn’t miss out Raewyn and I went to visit them in their work place. Ian Barber was on the Saturday night shift, Glenys Kahukura was on duty at the hospital, Elsa Norvill was in attendance at her pharmacy and Ria Wareae was away doing her first aid certificate for her work place. Each member received a small gift of chocolates and a flower to take home to their partners to show that they have not been forgotten. Roger Gordon Wairoa Station Manager
Thank you to our great Operational Volunteers who continue making a difference in Events! Much appreciated, guys. We’d like to hear from you! This bimonthly newsletter is available via email and hard copy. Ask your leader to print you a hard copy of each issue, if this is your preference, or we can send you a copy to your personal email address. Let us know by sending us a message at communications@stjohn.org.nz and confirming your personal email address. We are also happy to mail you a copy. Please send us your home address details as outlined above, or ask your manager to send a request to us on your behalf.
We can ensure our wonderful volunteers have chances to have breaks, socialise and refresh – and also make sure that there are nice biscuits. I have two essential rules with my wonderful team in the Tauranga Op Shop. 1 Have fun and laugh often – probably the most important part of keeping and recruiting volunteers. I have had several new volunteers come forward as they loved the friendly and fun atmosphere in the shop. 2 Never expect your volunteers to do anything that you would not do yourself. Lead by example and get stuck in – your volunteers will respect you more. Can you do anything a little bit different to say thanks? In Tauranga Op Shop all our volunteers are welcome to borrow books, jigsaws, wasjigs, DVDs and CDs (which they then return when finished) that has led to great discussions about books with favourite author recommendations swapped, and new genres tried. This small token is very much appreciated by the volunteers who do not ask for nor expect rewards for their dedicated service. Lynne Mackenzie Brown Tauranga Op Shop Manager
Volunteers July – August 2017
Brian Surtees (Rotorua Health Shuttle Driver) and wife Fran
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Murupara Operational Volunteers (from left) Moko McLean, Pauline Merriman and Te Akauroa Miki
Bay of Plenty volunteer dinner In 2015, the Bay of Plenty Area Committee decided to host a volunteer dinner for all functions (with representatives from AC, FEDs, Caring Caller, Health Shuttle, Operations and Youth) every second year. The theme was mid-winter Christmas. This year we had the Heart of Gold theme for our 24 June dinner. Annette Binnie District Youth Manager Photos by Marie Scott, Central Region Administrator and Health Shuttle Team Leader
Youth divisional manager receives MOH Award Johann Go, Howick/Pakuranga Divisional Youth Manager, received the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards – Youth Volunteer of the Year (runner up) during a ceremony held 22 June at the Parliament building in Wellington. Johann was recognised for promoting diversity and inclusion within the division and St John. He encourages a welcoming and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Howick/Pakuranga division has around 120 members – from 30 when he took over as manager – and over 20 ethnicities. A member of the St John Diversity and Inclusion Council, Johann said he is proud to be a part of the organisation, which is Rainbow Tick certified, had over 50 staff participating in the most recent Auckland Pride Parade and has several LGBT managers at all levels of our organisation. “I dedicate this award to all those volunteers who continue to champion equality and diversity in their respective organisations and communities, especially to those young volunteers who act as role models. You are all winners.” Johann juggles studying full time at the University of Auckland and doing over 20 hours per week with St John. Congratulations, Johann. Johann was on the 2 July episode of TVNZ’s Neighbourhood show, sharing how St John, a supportive work place, gave him "the confidence to come out". You can view the video on TVNZ On Demand.
Divisional Youth Manager Johann Go with Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman
“The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others”
Volunteers July – August 2017
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all our amazing “Just want to let you are very much leaders know that hing that the youth appreciated! Everyt n’t be done or members achieve ca rk, u. All your hard wo possible without yo t pu u yo e tim ount of effort and the am so me am gr pro h into making our yout inspiration. Thank successful is truly you!” - Dominic Anisy
you to “I'd just like to say a huge thank help out to time their up gives who everyone “ big or how er matt in the youth program, no so "Leaders go above and beyond the are guys You is. on ibuti contr ir call of small your duty, not only teachi eful” grat ng us, but being a amazing and we are incredibly mentor and helping us to grow as peopl - Sarah Baken e. This organisation is filled to the brim with inspirational leaders, and I would love to “Thank say a huge thank you y for all that you do leaders ou so much y !” outh !! If it - Laurie Duncan we you us cadets ren't for have t would n his am azing y ot program ou me. Th ank yo th all the u for h o u r s each w you put eek ou in t of yo time fo ur own r us ca guys a re ama dets. You zing an shape d h th program is amazing y elp o me. Th ank yo uth the bo u from ttom o - Sere f my heart!” nity B ruce
Thank You Youth Leaders!
incredible ou to all of our “Massive thanky yond every be d an e ov ys go ab and words leaders, you gu ial nt h our full pote ac re us lp he to day ll we are. You w truly great fu cannot explain ho e!” guys are awesom - Caleb Jopson
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“There are countless thriving divisions that kids love coming to. This would not be the case if there were not the incredible volunteers who give up their time to come and make St John youth fun and exciting. Thank you for all the work and commitment you put in to helping us, you have all impacted our lives in a huge way and many of us have been inspired to give back what you have given us.” - Bridie Kitchin
“A massive shou tout to all the leaders across country who giv the e up their time to make a posit difference to ou ive r lives! We appr eciate your comm and support thro itment ugh everything you do. Thank yo u all!” -Jacoba Kinley
e not b “Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our organisation ould w is m , rogra rogram it e p very rarely will they be given the praise they deserve. So h t p u im o t g y , “The fe changin r passion nce. it's incredibly important we have this week dedicated to all the li ithout you a differe their hard work. Without volunteers our wonderful w o e t k y toda ive to ma r chance organisation wouldn't thrive in the way it does now, heck r ou s to it and d week is this mean ging n is probably wouldn't even exist.” h Th muc challe n, w r o o h f io -Kaleb Donald share hank you us vis and iving . T g ll ls a , a s o inuously s t g u or cont indse ieve our f m s r nce in f e r o d u o confide le lea in ib s ach platform a d u g e nd r c d g n our in u do, a es, a helpin eating a ity” work yo o all of urther ourselv t n d u cr r u t o a y h r the o f ” oppo lure “Thank youth t y appreciate out you McC all re with g us as e a in r ir e ll - Ella p w s a in e re ities. W uldn’t be whe Illingworth our abil nn ly we wo it a C -
National Volunteer Week
Volunteers July – August 2017
FED volunteer Margaret Brown on Good Sorts
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in these programmes). He can often be found at the Waihi ambulance station and is highly regarded by all staff in both Operations and Community Programmes. Over his 12 years with St John he has been involved in so many ways, from the Area Committee to Community Programmes. John Pritchett, Community Programmes Administrator, says Ross is simply an amazing person. “I have seen few people who are more dedicated to helping St John than himself. He truly embodies what St John stands for.”
Margaret, our amazing 93 year old Friends of the Emergency Department volunteer in Timaru, was featured on TVNZ's Good Sorts. Click here to watch the video and be inspired by her story.
Mark Kerr on The Café show
July – Natalie James, Waihi Health Shuttle Team Leader Waihi Health Shuttle Team Leader Natalie James not only drives the shuttle but also takes care of Waihi's three vehicles. With her husband's help, she regularly cleans the vehicles and schedules their use to make sure that the wheels are checked by the local tyre dealer. On weekends, they make time to wash and vacuum the vehicles. They also keep all the records, vehicle paperwork and First Aid kits up to date. Natalie helps train new recruits and is always willing to go the extra mile for everyone in the team. "She is invaluable to the success of our team and upholds all the values of St John in her fantastic efforts," her colleagues say.
Our awesome and inspiring fundraiser Mark Kerr was on @thecafenz, talking about his amazing journey. Click here to watch the video on The Café’s Facebook page. Also, please head to www.markwalksforlife.com to check out his blog.
Congratulations: Volunteer of the Month June – Ross O’Reilly, Caring Caller District Manager Caring Caller District Manager Ross O’Reilly dedicates many hours to keeping in touch with and visiting the many caring callers throughout the Hauraki/Coromandel District. Ross is not only an extremely dedicated and reliable Caring Caller District Manager but he also does an incredible amount of work for his local community in Waihi. He is also a St John health shuttle driver who covers many shifts for his team and spends much of his time assisting St John Waihi Therapy Pets and St John Op Shop volunteers (even though he is not directly involved
Anyone can nominate a volunteer for the Volunteer of the Month award. Just complete the form on the Hub. The monthly nominations will be reviewed and selected by Clinical Operations Director Norma Lane and Director of Community Health Services Sarah Manley.
‘Pay it forward’ campaign We really want to work with you all to promote and grow St John’s Volunteer of the Month award. It’s just one way to recognise and reward our fabulous volunteers and their individual contributions. The initiative receives positive feedback from across the organisation. To enhance the reward and recognition programme we are introducing a $50 gift to the person or team who nominates the winner. The aim is for them to ‘pay it forward’ and use the money to celebrate and benefit other volunteers in their particular area or community. The ‘pay-it-forward’ approach fits well with our organisational values and helps to promote the kind of positive culture St John is trying to build. Please keep your nominations coming!
Need ICT help? Call the ICT Service Desk on 0800 428 8326 (0800 ICT TEAM). There will be someone there to help at any time of the day or night, seven days a week – 24/7.
Volunteers July – August 2017
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VSS implementation plan update
our Clinical colleagues to enhance how and when clinical courses are delivered.
The Volunteer Support Unit has moved into the planning and research phase of the Year 4 Volunteer Sustainability Strategy (VSS) Implementation Plan (FY 17/18). The key Year 4 objectives are:
VSG's Myrene McLeod
Great progress and great side by side initiatives – so much more to come! Watch this space.
Volunteer performance & development plans and measures >> We’ve had some initial conversations around performance and development wants and needs for volunteers, what’s practical/workable and will add value for volunteers and their managers. We’ll continue to build on these conversations which include looking at team planning and review approaches. >> Operations colleagues have already implemented a model (and forms) for volunteers/teams so we’ll be working with everyone to evaluate how it’s going and how we can all work side by side to make it even better!
Developing connections within communities >> We are committed to research community initiatives and this will involve collaborating with Area Committees and other organisations to promote volunteering within local communities. Some great discussions have already started as part of Area Committee conferences so we’ll update you on progress in future editions of Side by Side.
ICT systems and support to enhance volunteer access and involvement >> We are working with our Communications and ICT colleagues on development tools to enable managers to communicate effectively with volunteers. These could include online forums and other approaches as part of the communications and business intelligence strategies. >> We'll be working to ensure that systems are userfriendly for all age groups and locations. The aim is to improve two way communication, make it timely and targeted and to enable volunteers to receive and share information and ideas that support decision-making. If you’d like to know where we got to with Year 3 – the full report can be found on the Volunteering page on the Hub. It saw us achieve all objectives and be successful in identifying and capitalising on new opportunities, encouraging episodic volunteering, rewarding and recognising the work of our volunteers, helping build the focus on diversity and inclusion, streamlining recruitment and selecting forms and processes. We also worked with
My full time work background prior to retirement and my volunteer involvement with St John was in Performance Improvement for people in organisations. This involved Leadership and Management, Performance Management, Training, and Behavioural and Technical Competencies, as well as analysing structures and practices in an organisation that impact on people’s performance. So when I saw an invitation to express interest in a role with the Volunteer Support Group, it seemed a natural fit with my previous experience. As part of St John Community Services I am involved in the management of Caring Callers. I am on my local Area Committee and have experience as a FED. Involvement in the Volunteer Support Group has given me a much wider perspective of St John and the complexity of its structure. Instead of just being subject to policies and practices that impact on how I perform my volunteer roles, through the VSG I can now raise issues, have my opinions heard (and challenged) and the views of others considered. I am able to have direct input into the positive changes that the VSG are working on to make the volunteer journey more practical, enjoyable and sustainable. Some of the frustrations I was experiencing, I can see are already being improved on and those improvements will help everyone. Add to that, I find being part of this group a very positive experience as everyone is focussed on improvements for St John and to this end working positively together. Myrene McLeod Volunteer Support Group Member
Volunteers July – August 2017
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On-road/off-road relationships research project update
If you are interested in hosting a SAAS volunteer, please contact your Regional Operations Support Manager by 31 August 2017.
As you’ll be aware, volunteers have widely varied profiles in terms of their motivations for joining or continuing to volunteer with St John. Everyone brings and aspires to achieve different qualifications and levels. We all work in different settings and bring diverse skills and experiences from our personal lives and work backgrounds. Taking all of this into account, it’s counterintuitive to draw conclusions about volunteers as a group because of their great diversity.
They will come back to us with names and we’ll help make it all happen!
As I dig deeper into the data we gathered from paid staff, managers and volunteers (I have nearly 1000 pages just of interview data!), some interesting themes are starting to emerge. They relate to decision-making both on the ambulance and on station as well as to the volunteers’ responsibility for keeping their skills current so they can practise confidently at their Authority to Practise (ATP), doing shifts, leading jobs and studying or training at the station. It seems clear that volunteers are able to develop competence and confidence when paid staff support and enable them to learn on the job, creating an environment that balances learning with practical support. My next goal is to work further with the data to create typical “profiles” of ambulance officers in terms of how they manage jobs that are more complex, stressful, or unclear than initially expected. I’ll come back with a further update on progress soon! Dr Kirstie McAllum
Volunteer Exchange Programme: call for hosts Every year St John hosts volunteers from the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS). This year’s exchange is happening between 31 October and 14 November. As part of our forward planning, we’re now seeking expressions of interest from St John staff who are willing to accommodate our South Australian guests. SAAS participants will spend some time in Auckland, attend the Traumed Conference and spend their remaining time in one of the regions. We want our SAAS visitors to experience some great ‘kiwi’ hospitality so would love to hear from regional staff interested in hosting them. This would involve: >> providing accommodation for one person >> showing the volunteer around their area >> transporting them to training or participating on shift with them (the SAAS volunteer will be a third crew member/observer).
The Volunteer Support Unit team
Check out our parental leave guide The clinical development team is here to support you at every stage of your career. We understand that the journey into parenthood and taking parental leave presents unique challenges for our clinical operations personnel. So, we’ve created a guide that covers all the support, policies and requirements to consider if you’re pregnant or thinking about parental leave – including how to maintain ATP. Made with the full input and support of people who have been through the journey, this guide will clarify work processes and help make your own experience safe and enjoyable. You can find the guide, Guidelines for taking parental leave and maintaining ATP, here. Rebekah Judd Clinical Team Manager and Intensive Care Paramedic
Uniform update Thank you for your feedback on our operational uniform. After listening to your feedback and discussion from a newly formed workgroup, we have made the following changes with our uniform provider. This new stock will be transitioned across in all sizes once remaining stock has been exhausted. You can view the improvements here.
Operational uniform improvements Thank you for your feedback on our operational uniform. and discussion from a After listening to your newly formed workgrou p, we have made the following feedback our uniform provider, Profile. This new stock changes with will be transitioned across remaining stock has been in all sizes once exhausted. Right hand radio loop removed on shirt and fleece
Larger mesh size for underarm
Additional Name Tag
Bar tack to increase durability
Long sleeve black thermals
New grip on the waist of the pants
More buttons on female shirts
Work in progress
We are working with Profile on sourcing some black wickable t-shirts at the moment. Once this has occurred a wear trial will commence for a decision to be made. For now, continue to use/order the white t-shirts as needed. For any questions or feedback please email uniform1@stjohn.org.nz
We need donors in Hamilton Will you lend an arm? New Zealand Blood will be in the St John Central Region First Aid Training rooms in Hamilton and are looking for all blood type donors. This fantastic organisation is vital in our community and needs our support.
Volunteers July – August 2017
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us come up with news and information that you find interesting or useful to your roles.
Please register to give blood on this day by calling 0800 448 325. St John Central Region First Aid Training Rooms, 63-65 Seddon Road, Frankton, Hamilton Wednesday 27 September 2017, 10am – 2pm Telephone 0800 448 325 or visit the New Zealand Blood website to make an appointment. Please remember to bring your Donor Card or Photo ID. Download the New Zealand Blood Service App from the App Store or Google Play today! You may be able to donate blood if you: >> are a new donor aged 16–65 & up to 71st birthday for regular donors >> weigh at least 50kg >> are in good health and are completely well after having a cough, cold or flu >> have waited six months after tattooing or body piercing >> have waited 24 hours following minor dental treatment or one month following major dental work. You cannot donate blood if you: >> spent more than a total of six months in the United Kingdom, France or the Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 1996 or received a blood transfusion in ANY of these countries since 1980.
Side by Side News going digital
This does not mean we will no longer produce the print (PDF) version of the newsletter. We will still have the PDF which you can access and download through a link in the email. Keep in mind though that with the new format we can gather readership data, including the number of clicks to download the print version. The data will help us determine if a print version will be maintained. Please send us your thoughts on this via communications@ stjohn.org.nz. We’d love to hear from you.
Making improvements to our communications Earlier this year, you told us that the top two things we could do to improve our communications at St John would be to clean up email groups and to refresh the Hub. We’ve already been cleaning up the email groups and ICT has had the go-ahead to start on revamping the Hub!
Email distribution groups clean up We have done a comprehensive cleanup of our email groups, which has included deleting over 400 groups, adding new ones, updating administrators and owners and putting new processes in place to keep them up to date. And we’ve been working with administrators to tidy up a number of other things at the same time. St John has a privacy policy that protects people’s personal emails by not sharing them with the whole organisation, and because of this email groups only include St John email addresses. However, we know that many volunteers use personal email addresses for St John communications so administrators will use a separate list of personal email addresses belonging to people in their group to blind copy (BCC) in when a communication goes out. If you have any queries or for any reason have stopped receiving emails that you should be, please let us know by emailing us on distribution.groups@stjohn.org.nz
Hub revamp In the Internal Communications Survey conducted early in the year, you said you wanted more format options for newsletters, other than PDF attachments. Thanks to your valuable feedback, we will introduce a new format that will have the newsletter in the body of the email. You can then read the Side by Side News not only on your laptops and desktops but also on your mobile devices. The Side by Side News September-October issue will be in the new digital (e-newsletter) format. The e-newsletter provides us with valuable data on how many staff have opened the email, read which stories, what devices were used to read the newsletter – just to name a few of the analytics available. The data will help
ICT is about to begin work on a complete revamp of the Hub. This is great news for all of us. The project will span over 18-24 months and be split into three stages – communications, document management and knowledge management. The new Hub will take a more modern, social media style approach and you’ll be able get into it from any computer or smartphone. Take a look at what Cameron Brill, our Chief Information Officer, has to say about the new Hub by clicking on this link.
Volunteers July – August 2017
CEO Peter Bradley on RNZ show
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results that we could all achieve no matter what our current fitness ability. Educating myself in good nutrition has been another huge influence as this is a critical building block for achieving optimum results and wellbeing. I’ve discovered that the majority of us are exposed to the all too common addiction to sugar, salt and trans fats, which all detract from the unbelievable taste and nutrient density and value of whole, natural, life-enhancing foods.
St John CEO Peter Bradley talked to Kim Hill on Radio New Zealand on 19 August about his experiences in the emergency ambulance sector over 37 years. He started his career on the road in Auckland in the late 1970s, working his way up to paramedic and Regional Chief Ambulance Officer before being headhunted to join London Ambulance Service (LAS), where he was appointed Chief Executive in 2000. He oversaw some major events including the London Bombings (2005), London Riots (2011) and the London Olympics (2012) and was awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2005 Queen's New Year's Honours for services to the ambulance service in England. Peter returned to New Zealand in 2012 to take over the helm at St John where he's overseen the modernisation of the ambulance service including a new electronic patient reporting system, new uniforms, ambulances and equipment, new clinical practices and now the roll out of double crewing of emergency ambulances throughout the country.
This is my passion and I would love to share it with you. Join me on this journey as I post regular wellbeing challenges, fitness tips and exercises, stretches and nutritional insights to the team based Facebook page – St John 'Fit for Duty – Fit for Life' Fitness and Wellbeing Challenge Page. This page is for all St John members, no matter what your current fitness levels or abilities may be, and no matter where your role in St John lies. It is fun, interactive and most of all encouraging and supportive. Let me help you achieve your goals and let’s all become ‘fit for duty, fit for life’! Click here and become a member today! For more information check out the Health, Safety and Wellness page on The Hub or email me at mitch.mullooly@stjohn.org.nz Mitch Mullooly Ambulance Officer, Gisborne Field Operations
Take a listen here.
Fit for duty – fit for life! Over the years I have been championing the ‘Fit for Duty’ mantra as sadly I have seen far too many colleagues have to leave the vocation they love due to injury or chronic illness. I have made it my personal mission to actively spread the word about healthy living and wellbeing within St John, giving tips and advice on how we can achieve this and thus be physically and mentally fit for our working environment and our daily life outside of work. During this time I have read a lot of books, researched hundreds of journal articles, consulted a multitude of experts and tried all sorts of different training styles, but nothing really gelled for me. Isn’t it interesting that where we seek inspiration we often find intimidation? This only made me more determined to find a smarter and more effective way to achieve my own personal fitness goals of functional strength, endurance and flexibility so that I could then assist others to achieve theirs. I wanted something that was fast, effective and achievable, a regime that was dynamic, fun and above all, gave real
Taking the Pulse reminder There’s a lot of work going on to share results with teams across St John, with some teams already involved in action planning. If you’ve not already seen the all St John results, you can click through on the links to find the one page overview and the comprehensive results. Action planning (at least one agreed, key action for team that’s going to make the biggest difference to engagement and satisfaction for your people) need to be completed by 24 September. If your manager hasn’t already been in touch with you to arrange this you should expect to hear from them soon. Need help? If any managers require assistance in this, just call your HR Advisor or contact TakingthePulse@stjohn.org.nz