Managing in a Changeable Operating Environment
Our Operating Environment
As a central agency, DPMC operates across the whole range of government activity – and it has roles in both the immediate day-to-day business of government as well as in considering the longer-term implications of particular policies or current or foreseeable circumstances. The department is expected to operate successfully at the heart of New Zealand’s system of governance in which minority governments and complex multi-party arrangements are usual. It is also expected to meet the rising demands within government – as well as from the general public, stakeholders, and political allies – about consultation and input into policy making.
DPMC has been required to ensure a high level of performance in recent months because the coming to office of a new Government has coincided with the global economic crisis. As the Government seeks to implement its policy programme and to meet the challenges that the crisis presents, the need for DPMC to be agile, flexible and responsive to the Government’s expectations remains high.
This requires a good understanding of the wider trends and influences on New Zealand’s social and economic performance, its culture and heritage, its human and physical capital, and its natural environment.
Managing Risk
DPMC maintains a risk-management framework which it reviews regularly, with mitigation strategies being subsequently updated. The reputation and credibility of the department is at stake when key risks are not managed appropriately. To maintain its good reputation and credibility, the department ensures that it:
- provides high-quality and relevant services
- provides free and frank advice
- understands and clearly communicates the Government’s requirements and priorities
- complies with the State Services Code of Conduct and operates at all times within the law
- continues to provide value
- operates appropriately in the environment in which it works, with all staff having a clear appreciation of their own roles and the roles of others
- routinely audits risk.
