DEWS stakeholder engagement satisfaction survey – results and analysis May 2014

Summary The survey was conducted between 12 May and 30 May 2014 and distributed to 53 key stakeholders. There were 27 respondents (51%) who identified as: 6 Business owner/employee 3 Community/community group leader/representative 13 Public sector employee/government agency representative 5 Industry/sector body/representative The majority of the respondents (81.5%) had dealings with DEWS at least once a month in the year preceding the survey. The overall stakeholder engagement satisfaction rating (satisfied to very satisfied) was 85% compared to 77.3% in 2013.

Overall satisfaction rating

Stakeholder satisfaction ratings When being engaged as a stakeholder by DEWS, how important is it that officers… (+11%) (+16%) (+27%) (+25%) compared to 2013

Thinking about your recent engagement/s with DEWS, how satisfied were you that officers… (-9%) (-5%) (-22%) (+8%) compared to 2013 Stakeholder satisfaction ratings

Importance of matters to stakeholders and their level of satisfaction with engagement by DEWS on same

Stakeholder views on what is important when being engaged  It is important for genuine engagement to occur by seeking our involvement early on in the policy development process. There is nothing more frustrating than being “informed” after a policy position has been formulated and then being told that the department has consulted with you on it.  Respect of opinion, understanding of stakeholder group we are representing, the need for sound decision making with a long term focus, productive and robust discussion creates productive and robust outcomes.  Allowing reasonable turnaround times for information requests.  Help us understand the politics of a proposal, so that we (GOCs) can frame a full-informed response.  Use a range of channels of communication – face-to-face, informal, formal, s, formal requests for information.

DEWS approach to stakeholder engagement

DEWS response to stakeholder views

The value of different types of engagement

Knowing that the Government has to take in to account many competing interests, do you think that DEWS, as a government department, has been able to balance these competing interests in the development of its policy responses?

If you undertook this survey last year, how would you compare engagement undertaken by DEWS in the past year?

Additional feedback and comments  We are probably spoilt and would happily say that DEWS approaches stand out compared to other agencies. There are limited examples of documents being released without our knowledge and communication within the agency could be improved at times.  I believe departmental officers are good people and the tone of government should be to encourage fact based objective policy development separate to the political process, but respecting the political processes right to make choices.  Keep it regular and relevant. Get the right people in the room - engagement is not just about filling a room with people who can’t contribute. Or having a meeting because it’s about engagement - have the meeting to get input and better outcomes.

Additional feedback and comments  Earlier engagement on policy topics would be helpful, with more regular updates on relevant department initiatives. Response timeframes are frequently unreasonable, both in terms of requests for information, and obtaining advice/approvals from Minister or department executives.  Understand the real costs of some policy positions to the GOC, and appreciate the difficulty in implementation of some DEWS initiatives. I think DEWS compares favourably with counterpart bodies in other states. From my organisation's perspective it is important to ensure DEWS officers get out in the regions and build relationships and then continue to invest in those relationships.

Analysis Key points  Engagement preferences  Satisfaction with engagement or satisfaction with the department’s key programs/initiatives  Value in breaking down data  Review of survey questions and purpose