VFBV Strategic Direction

Background

In January 2007 VFBV Board established a sub committee to develop the strategic direction for VFBV. The committee is chaired by Quentin Turner and has involved VFBV Board discussion and three workshops of the committee - held 19th February, 20th March and 28th May 2007.

The committee membership included representatives from CFA Board, VFBV Board, both Associations and several volunteer representatives. (Committee members: Peter Marke, Max Maher, Hans van Hamond, Bernie Pearson, Nev Jones (Moorooduc), Michael Wells (Werribee), Glen Mercer (Boort), Peter Davis, Bob Macdonald and Andrew Ford.

As a result of these workshops a high level strategic plan was finalised. The plan builds on various previous VFBV and Association planning documents and links strongly with the CFA Volunteer Charter and Volunteer Code of Conduct as foundation documents.

VFBV Strategic Plan 2007 - 2010

The plan sets a way forward to further position VFBV to be a more proactive and strategic voice for CFA volunteers. The overall emphasis of the plan builds on the principles of the Volunteer Charter and places high priority on ensuring solid representation of grass roots needs via stronger communication processes; a higher VFBV profile both within CFA and also externally; early and prominent influence on decision making on volunteer matters; and strong strategic relationships with those who people and organsiations who might influence the future for volunteers.

The plan is about establishing one voice for all CFA volunteers; building on the strength of our combined numbers; working together to more effectively address issues common to all volunteers; and being ‘ahead of the game’ when it comes to contemplating matters impacting on volunteers so that we are better able to influence discussions and future planning early, before decisions are made. The plan sets out to ensure VFBV is both a powerful volunteer advocate and also a respected and sought after partner in all decision making processes relevant to CFA volunteers.

VFBV representatives along with VUFBA and VRFBA delegates attending the Joint State Meeting held in June 2007 agreed to adopt the VFBV Strategic Plan as a shared direction and framework for future planning for VRFBA, VUFBA and the VFBV, regardless of the progress toward a single representative body. The plan will remain a living ‘road map’ to guide our collective efforts and future direction and it will be progressively refined as new information comes to hand or as progress is achieved. During 2008 the plan was used as a starting point to engage Regional Councils in focused discussion about specific local needs and priorities and the move towards a single unified body. As of January 2010, the vast majority of Region Councils have now amalgamated, with the remainder to shortly follow.

Andrew Ford,
CEO, VFBV

 Download the VFBV Strategic Direction Document