Strategic Review for Chain of Ponds

The group, comprising of Geraldine Plas (Melbourne Water), Alex English (Moreland City Council), Andrew Hickey (Greater Western Water) and Rachel Lopes (Chain of Ponds / Greater Western Water) managed the process which included two surveys and three workshops guided by expert external facilitator Michelle Howard from Collaborations. All Chain of Ponds partners were invited to contribute, and the Governance Group invites comments on the review findings.

The scope and purpose of the strategic review was to strengthen the way that the Chain of Ponds Collaboration operates, update key strategic documents, and ensure the buy-in and visibility of these. 

During this review process, we considered what is working well and where there is room for improvement. We have begun the process of developing the Chain of Ponds wishlist for the next three years, and have agreed on strategic priorities and desired outcomes. All findings and recommendations of the review have been documented and are available to all Collaboration members. 

These are available to the group going forward and will be the basis for reviewing the Chain of Ponds key strategic documents: the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Terms of Reference and Prospectus. These documents capture the intent, operating principles and key priorities for the collaboration. 

Moving forward, the revisions to the MoU, Terms of Reference and Prospectus based on the findings of the Working Group are due at the end of October. In November, we will seek endorsement by all partner organisations, followed by a re-commitment signing ceremony by partner senior executives in February next year. 

Thank you to the Governance Group members, paid and unpaid, who gave up their time to contribute to these important strategic discussions. There was a strong sense that we’re on the right track, we have some fine tuning to do but also excitement about the road ahead.

Read Strategic Review here