As many members will know, an independent review of FCVic networks, working groups and communities of practice (hereafter referred to as ‘collective structures’) has been underway for the past six months. The final report from this review was presented to the FCVic Board in June 2024, and its recommendations accepted in full.
What are the key recommendations?
In summary, the key recommendations are:
- To redefine the names of collective structures so that all primary groups are called Networks, and to refine their purpose. Networks provide essential eyes and ears on the ground and provide opportunities for education, peer support and identification of emerging issues. Networks will operate mostly autonomously and be supported with training and template documents to guide their function.
- When a Network identifies a crucial advocacy issue they may request to create a Working Group, which is time-limited and has a defined purpose in working towards a specific advocacy outcome.
- Given their specific advocacy focus, Working Groups will receive more administrative and advocacy support from FCVic.
- FCVic will ensure regular and transparent communication about the advocacy activities of Working Groups.
- FCVic will deliver CPD for members which equips members to participate in Networks and Working Groups.
- Networks will each appoint a Convenor to chair and support the Network. This Convenor will be a member of the Convenors’ Network. The Convenors’ Network will be chaired by the EO and supported by the Advocacy Coordinator.
- FCVic to provide information and guidance to agencies about the purpose and benefits of Networks and Working Groups for financial counsellors and their clients.
We have provided a sample diagram below to illustrate the new structure proposed by these recommendations graphically.
![Flow chart showing: Tier 1: FCVic Board Tier 2: FCVic Executive Officer Tier 3: FCVic Advocacy Coordinator Tier 4: Convenors Network / Advocacy Committee (title TBD) Group 1: Issues-based Networks [Example Network (E.g. Cost of Living), Example Network (E.g. Family Violence), Example Network (E.g. Gambling), Example Network (E.g. Gov Services)] Group 1: Regional Networks [Metro Networks (Northern, Eastern, Southern, Western) and Hume, Western, Gippsland] Note on Group 1: Autonomous. Governed by Terms of Reference and guidance documents and templates. Convenor provides an Annual Report. Group 2: Working Groups [Example Working Group (e.g. Advocacy on Utility Relief Grants), Example Working Group (e.g. Advocacy on the Housing Crisis), Example Working Group (e.g. Advocacy on Food security and costs)] Note on Group 2: Working Groups formed as needed, aligned to FCVic Strategic Plan and Advocacy Priorities. Application to FCVic by the ‘parent’ Network. Supported by Advocacy Coordinator.](https://fcvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Collective-Structures-Diagram-1024x576.png)
FCVic has now been tasked with operationalising the recommendations to ensure that our sector’s collective structures are fit-for-purpose, functional, appropriately supported, and continue to thrive in delivering systemic and strategic advocacy on key issues. Regular progress updates on this project will be provided to the Board and members.
The first step will be the development of an operational policy giving effect to the recommendations and the confirmation of various templates to support Networks. We encourage current collective structures to consider their role in the new structure, including whether to become a Network, to join another similar Network, or whether they want to apply to create a Working Group for a specific project.
Will my Network, Working Group or Community of Practice stay the same?
FCVic will work closely with current convenors on how each group fits into this new structure. We expect that these discussions should be completed by October 2024.
This work will be supported with new resources, templates and guidelines which we anticipate will make it easier for a convenor to run a group, and the group’s operations more effective and efficient for members.
For most group participants, things are unlikely to change significantly. You will benefit from increased visibility of activities from all other Networks and Working Groups, and have the opportunity to participate in more targeted, strategic advocacy opportunities.
When will all these changes happen?
Over the next month, FCVic will work on project-planning for these changes. Commencing in August, we will begin to work with current convenors on the new group structure. A rough timeline is provided below.
- July 2024:
- FCVic planning to operationalise the report’s recommendations, with approval from the Board.
- August-September 2024:
- FCVic to liaise with convenors on their group.
- FCVic to develop policies, procedures and templates to assist Network operation.
- FCVic to develop a centralised system to manage Working Groups applications, management, and reporting.
- FCVic to develop a members portal to report on Working Group advocacy activities.
- October 2024:
- Launch of the new structure.
Who will be managing these changes?
The core project team consists of Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope (Executive Officer), James Degenhardt (Systems and Operations Manager) and Amanda Chan (Advocacy Coordinator). Other FCVic staff members will be contributing throughout the project in their specialist areas of expertise.
The Executive Officer will be reporting to the Board on the progress of this project.
I have further questions about these changes.
The full report is available on our website/member portal, which details why and how the Review was undertaken, and key findings of the Review. Click here to download or read this report.
We know that members will have further questions about this process. We welcome further questions, to be directed to Amanda Chan at [email protected].