Doing it Better at the Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Ann Biggins is a woman that exudes infectious enthusiasm. And perhaps she needs it because in her own words, ‘she has an interest in all the things that other people don’t have an interest in until something happens’ - in a word, management systems.
Now it is true that policies and procedures don’t turn most people on but as the Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre pursues its ambitious Ten-Year-Plan to become a more professional organisation, it is something that the Board is aware that it needs more of.
A registered nurse for over 30 years, Ann was diverted into management systems and auditing in the 1990s and it became a passion. However, she still harbours a strong nurturing side from her nursing days and it was this that prompted her to become a volunteer at Mandurah Wildlife about three years ago.
Most of this volunteering has involved the care and treatment of sick and injured animals but recently she has found an outlet at the Centre for her management systems expertise.
Critical Processes
Why is it so critical? Ann says proper and documented processes ensure efficient operations including the care of injured and sick animals according to protocols that have been well developed and sanctioned by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The processes being developed also cover occupational health and safety and the trainingmand management of the lifeblood of the organisation, the volunteers.
Creating a Professional Organisation
Ann says initiatives to build upon systems and processes are well underway. Wildlife documentation has been streamlined, an electronic dashboard of key performance indicators for the Board has been introduced, and we are now working towards saving trees by going to a paperless system where wildlife forms and status will be available on ipads.
But she is acutely aware that before introducing new ways to work, it is critical to consult with people so that they can have input and ownership. It's all about bringing people together on the journey.
