Education
Education Strategic Organisational Reviews
Strategic organisational reviews a state government Department of Education
2023
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Organisational Review
Overview
dandolo was commissioned to undertake two separate strategic organisational reviews for a state education department:
- In 2019, the department commissioned dandolo to conduct a rapid review of its scope, structure, functions and operations. This review coincided with the appointment of a new Director General and provided for a new baseline view of the Department and an opportunity to reflect on its performance.
- In early 2023, the department commissioned dandolo to complete a further review, building on the findings and methodology established in 2019. The purpose of the review was a further ‘health check’ in the post-COVID 19 period, considering progress made in implementing previous recommendations, and potential for further change.
Approach
For each review, dandolo convened an expert panel comprised of eminent individuals involved in education policy, system design and delivery, to support critical stages of the review.
We then:
- Reviewed all relevant policies, data and documents provided by the Department, including (for the 2023 review) particular material that helped quantify the status of the recommended actions from the 2019 review
- Conducted interviews with around 70 internal and external stakeholders of the Department – across the two reviews
- Synthesised findings from the document and data review, and stakeholder interviews, to understand the current state of play and identify options for the Department moving forward.
Outcomes
Our initial 2019 review identified the need for the Department to refocus on student outcomes, and identified major reasons to redouble its efforts in excellence in teaching and learning. We recommended a set of supporting actions to bring about change, including new school improvement architecture, all of which were accepted and implemented by the Director General.
The 2023 review identified a further set of actions that were adopted by the Department, including the need for a review of senior secondary pathways, which dandolo was subsequently engaged to deliver.
Together, the reviews had a significant and lasting influence on the Department’s structure, functions and strategic directions.