[Our] structures, relationships with agencies, institutions and schools, perspectives on mission … and expectations have remained substantially similar to those that existed [40 years ago]. Our need to match the expectations of the old systems and structures with the new context has created significant stress
This was the challenge facing the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
Formed over 40 years ago, it had seen considerable change: membership was ageing and declining, governance requirements were increasing, demand for community services had increased, the structure of the sector had become more complex and engagement with religious institutions had changed.
Despite these changes the Synod itself had only undergone small, incremental adaptations and had failed to keep pace with the increasing demands of the modern world. Its structures and systems of governance remained complex, finances were stretched, a culture of custom and practice had developed, and the Synod lacked a clear and cohesive strategic direction.
The Synod recognised it needed to change in order to become a sustainable and thriving institution.
Changes were required across the whole organisation but there were difficulties to navigating these:
Jason provided leadership grounded in best-practice principles and processes, coupled with innovative, and ‘over the horizon’ thoughtfulness and processes, which added significant value and creativity to the outcomes of the project.
The work resulted in a range of recommendations that were agreed by consensus by the c.300 members of Synod. Jason then led the team to implement these changes over a two-year period.
While the full impact of these changes will only be fully realised over many years, the benefits so far have been considerable. They include:
The Synod now has a much more cohesive and smooth functioning operation which will enable it to better face the challenges of an increasingly complex, uncertain and rapidly changing future.
Through Jason’s leadership, the aims of each of our projects were fully realised. Throughout his engagement; Jason was able to apply his considerable consultancy and organisational development skills in effectively engaging with executive staff, Board members as well as volunteers ... With wide ranging project deliverables taking effect on a variety of context, Jason and his team consistently achieved designated timelines and have always been on budget. His work has engendered deep confidence in his ability to achieve the desired overall outcomes.