Evaluation of Water Resource Management and Use program: chapter 9
6. Recommendations and Management Response
The following recommendations are based on the findings and conclusions of the evaluation. The recommendations are directed to the ADM of the MSC, and the RDG, West and North, as the senior departmental officials responsible for the management of the WRMU program.
Recommendation 1: Review the current governance and management of the WRMU program, and consider the introduction of mechanisms to increase information sharing, consistency and collaboration across the program.
A number of different branches are involved in delivery of the program, and while this is appropriate in terms of contributing the required mix of skillsets and knowledge, evidence suggests that more could be done to ensure a consistent approach to resource management, decision making and priority setting for EC activities across all implicated branches. There are also opportunities to improve the overall efficiency and consistency of the program delivery, such as by identifying process improvements to support the timely filling of vacancies for the provision of technical support and enabling the use of common tools, best practices and information sharing among staff participating in the various boards. Other areas for consideration include introducing training for new departmental board participants and establishing a common strategy for the Department’s participation in board meetings given current travel constraints.
Management Response to Recommendation 1
The ADM of the MSC and the RDG, West and North, agree with the recommendation.
| Management Action | ||
|---|---|---|
| MSC DGs and the RDG, West and North, in consultation with IAB, S&T Branch and Strategic Policy Branch (SPB), will undertake a step-wise approach to reviewing the governance by assessing the materiality and program structure and subsequently identifying the appropriate internal governance structures, including mechanisms to improve collaboration and coordination across activities as required. | ||
| Timeline | Deliverable(s) | Responsible Party |
April 2015
September 2015 |
Undertake a review of the materiality and program structure and make recommendations to EMC. Develop a governance approach based on findings of step 1. |
ADM, MSC RDG, W&N |
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement a performance measurement strategy to support effective management and reporting on the results of the WRMU program.
The WRMU program should build on work that has already been initiated, including finalizing the draft logic model and performance measurement strategy framework with associated indicators, details related to data collection methods, targets and timelines. In addition to providing valuable information to contribute to effective management of the WRMU program, effective reporting against the performance measurement strategy would also contribute to improving the Department’s ability to “tell the story” of EC’s activities regarding the water management boards, which would in turn contribute to a better understanding of the work of the program within the Department.
Management Response to Recommendation 2
The ADM of the MSC and the RDG, West and North, agree with the recommendation.
| Management Action | ||
|---|---|---|
| Following the review of the program structure to be conducted in response to Recommendation 1, MSC and RDG W&N will develop and implement an appropriate performance measurement strategy, including a logic model. As an initial step, in the development of a performance strategy, a client satisfaction survey will be undertaken as proposed in the 2015-2016 Performance Measurement Framework. | ||
| Timeline | Deliverable(s) | Responsible Party |
July 2015
December 2015 April 2016 (est.) |
Report on client satisfaction of EC’s involvement in water management boards/committees in the Performance Measurement Framework. Develop logic model (pending outcome of governance review). Develop and implement a performance measurement strategy (pending outcome of governance review). |
ADM, MSC
|