In all organisations, but even more so in a volunteer-based organisation, the importance of genuine consultation and engagement of volunteers in decisions that affect them cannot be overstated. Enquiry after enquiry, report after report highlights that the failure to genuinely consult with or listen to volunteers, and the under-utilization of the significant knowledge and experience of volunteers is an area that still requires significant attention.

Successive annual VFBV volunteer welfare and efficiency surveys also highlight volunteer dissatisfaction with the extent and manner to which consultation occurs, especially in decision making at CFA corporate level.

A failure to consult and engage effectively and genuinely with volunteers has significant consequences. Amongst these are:

• programs not being implemented with lasting buy-in
• programs not being conducive to optimal volunteer participation, potentially missing critical volunteer capability development
• poor decisions that have serious impact on long term volunteer viability, morale and willingness to contribute
• decisions designed to suit the corporate environment and needs – but not necessarily workable or practical on the ground
• excessive time spent on “selling” or “spinning” decisions that have already been made to try and illicit support and compliance.

Whereas genuine, up-front engagement and consultation that is timely, honest and transparent has been proven time and again to lead to:

• lasting community capacity and shared responsibility outcomes that contribute to strong community resilience for a safer Victoria
• programs, policies, initiatives and systems that work for volunteers and get the most out of what volunteers are prepared to contribute
• better understanding of the challenges and context for proposed solutions, policy or organisational arrangements that leads to better, faster and longer lasting outcomes
• efforts focused on solving problems and sharing in developing workable solutions that ultimately harnesses the experience and knowledge amongst volunteers and leads to wider buy in, acceptance and support.

It is VFBV’s strong belief that empowering volunteers and engaging with them to consider issues and contributing to decisions and leadership on the best way forward leads not only to solutions that will work better on the ground, but also contributes to a motivation for members to continue contributing their services and generates a feeling of pride and ownership in the organisation’s goals and values, supports innovation and positively contributes to an agile organisation and values- based culture.

On this latter issue, CFA cannot operate on the premise that all leadership, direction, governance and performance management will be provided by paid personnel. Whilst the significant contribution that is made by our paid personnel is greatly respected and appreciated –volunteers aspire for an organisational culture where they feel their input and contribution is similarly respected, nurtured, embraced and appreciated.

As volunteers, we do not accept second class treatment or differential outcomes simply because volunteers are not paid. Consultation must therefore treat all stakeholders and members as equals, and any decisions or side deals that are negotiated between closed doors and pit one group against another or unfairly advantage one group over another should not be supported. We must also guard against the politics of envy to ensure it doesn’t similarly dictate policy direction or outcomes. Mature, inclusive and equitable consultation arrangements that encourage all members of all backgrounds and experiences to work collaboratively towards shared goals should be what we all aspire for and work towards.

Last month, reflecting on former CFA Chair Ray Greenwood’s passing, the wisdom in his remarks in this publication upon his retirement was evident when he said: “The unique blending of permanent staff and volunteers which we enjoy and perhaps take for granted also needs to be fostered and sustained and this is a mutual responsibility. Expecting too much from each other and a lack of communication are the surest ways to damage any relationship, and this one is too valuable to lose through neglect.”

In any “workforce”, the genuine engagement with those doing the “work” is key. In a decentralised organisation it is even more important. In a community embedded and overwhelmingly volunteer based organisation - it is critical.

On this issue, I encourage all members to actively contribute to discussions and forums available to seek your views and input. Referred to elsewhere throughout this publication, as well as being a regular feature of VFBV District Councils - are reminders on topics of which targeted feedback is being sought.

I encourage members to not just focus on “meeting” dates, and formal requests for feedback but to also utilise the structures and support networks that span and reach almost every community across Victoria. VFBV networks, just like Brigade and Group structures operate 365 days of the year. These organic networks are a treasure trove of good ideas and sensible practical solutions – and are often untapped through the sector’s formal structures.

Whether it be a new policy or initiative being developed; how best to support service delivery; new equipment design; discussions on how best to support and structure training delivery; health and safety initiatives; or embracing community education and prevention activities – the sharing of your knowledge, experience and expertise is vital.

While it may be easy to feel down or skeptical about the current environment and how your views and input may or may not be considered by decision makers – we need to trust and have faith that volunteer consultation and engagement will ultimately be embraced, nurtured and respected.

Our deeds, our actions and our words do and can make a difference. Contributing to the discussions and participating in respectful and genuine conversations about all matters that affect us, play a significant role in guiding an organisation’s culture, values, behaviours and approach.

Don’t give up, and don’t under value your input. It doesn’t have to be fancy or formalised, or run pages and pages long – just get involved. The sharing and exchanging of views and information to form genuine and informed dialog is the key. Hearing and understanding differing viewpoints and perspectives often yields great rewards, and many of those “ah-ha!” moments. We owe so much to those that came before us, and like every previous generation – we have an obligation to keep striving to make things better and stronger than when we inherited it.

And on this note, and on behalf of the entire extended VFBV family, I want to acknowledge the passing of our great friend, John ‘Macca’ McLeod AFSM. John passionately and tirelessly advocated on behalf of CFA and CFA volunteers until the very end. He will be sorely missed, and we send our thoughts, prayers and best wishes to Trish, and John’s extended family and friends.