Date:  14 June 2016

An independent review of the Department of Conservation (DOC), carried out by the State Services Commission (SSC), shows DOC is on the right track to meet its conservation challenges. 

The SSC Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) Follow-up Review released today, took place in April and up-dates the SSC’s earlier 2014 PIF review of DOC. 

Director-General Lou Sanson said he was very encouraged by the latest review findings that DOC is making significant progress on its change programme and is on track to meet its conservation goals. 

“We have had a demanding few years but I feel optimistic about the progress the Department is making,” Director-General Lou Sanson said. 

“We have worked hard to address concerns outlined in the 2014 PIF review, namely the need to better define our vision, and improve leadership, decision making and priority setting.” 

The report says DOC needs to continue its focus on improving its business following last year’s realignment, and cementing the cultural change required to deliver on its strategy of working in partnership with others to grow conservation. 

“We are taking steps towards becoming a more customer-focused organisation which is able to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing us, whether they come from tourism and recreation, biodiversity and freshwater, or our role in treaty settlements,” Lou said. 

Lou Sanson said DOC has begun working with a range of external groups and other government agencies to provide greater visibility of where DOC does its work, where it delivers value and what it could do in future. 

“We want to build a better understanding around our work programme and where we need to focus that work.” 

The SSC PIF Follow-up Review was undertaken by independent reviewers Mike Pratt and Peter Bushnell who interviewed 110 people nationwide, both internal and external, in order for them to prepare their report.

Read the Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) Follow-up Review

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