Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, processes, and relationship with clients.
iii consulting works primarily with Community Service Organisations (CSOs), Community Health Organisations (CHOs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), and government agencies.
We listen closely to our potential clients to understand their needs, challenges, and goals. We use that information as the basis for shaping our recommended approach. We then talk through our recommendations with our clients to tailor that approach to their specific situation.
Yes.
However, as our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each of our clients, estimates are developed following discussion with each client to clearly understand their needs and what they are hoping to achieve through our engagement
iii consulting is a major contributor to one of the few farm animal sanctuaries based in south west Victoria, Good Place Sanctuary.
A portion of all income generated by iii consulting goes directly to the Good Place's feed bills and veterinary costs.
Our Services
We offer a diverse range of tailored consultancy services to assist you to achieve your goals.
We collaborate with clients to develop strategic plans that clearly articulate where they are now, where they want to be, and how they will get there.
Our strategic planning process is comprised of seven steps, each or which is tailored to the unique needs of the client:
- Identifying the organisation's strategic vision - what does it want to achieve, what is its long term goal.
- Identifying the organisation's mission - why does it want to achieve this goal, what is its driving force, who does it serve, what value does it create for those that it serves.
- Identifying the organisation's values - what are the beliefs and principles that guide its actions and decisions.
- Determining the organisation's goals - based on its values, what are the measurable objectives that will move it towards its mission and strategic vision.
- Developing the organisation's strategy - using data gathered on the internal and external factors impacting on the organisation, what will it do to achieve the identified goals.
- Defining the organisation's approach - what activities and initiatives will it put in place to deliver its strategy.
- Articulating the organisation's action plan - what are the short-term actions that will be taken to deliver each of the actions and initiatives.
We support our clients to deliver effective, efficient, quality services by undertaking program and service reviews to identify strengths, risks and opportunities to improve.
We listen closely to our clients to understand the purpose and scope of the proposed review, then use that understanding to recommend a tailored review process to deliver the output the client wants - whether that be a review report, action plan, discussion paper to underpin a public consultation process, or change management process.
- The client's purpose in seeking a program or service review may be to ensure value for money, to drive continuous improvement, to identify the strengths and gaps in their model, to ensure the service is meeting the needs of it stakeholders, or a combination of these. Whatever the purpose, the scope and methodology of the review will be specifically designed to achieve that purpose.
- The scope of the review will in large part be shaped by the purpose of the review. It may focus on once aspect of the service, such as financial viability, legislative compliance, resource requirements, community expectations and experience, or potential for partnerships with other providers. Or, it may focus of a number of these together.
- We will develop a review plan based on our understanding of the client's needs, that specifies the goals, tasks, deliverables, timelines and cost of the review, for the client's consideration, and seek the client's approval to proceed based on that plan.
- The plan will include a detailed methodology which will be tailored to meet the specific needs of each client but could include benchmarking, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis; and stakeholder engagement.
- The combined findings of the agreed activities will provide the foundation for the review report, action plan, discussion paper, or other deliverables requested by the client. Whatever format the final deliverables take they will be shaped to support decision-making and improve service delivery.
There are similarities between program and service reviews and evaluations. But there are also some key differences.
- Reviews tend to be operational, focused on continuous improvement and ongoing performance management. Identifying if the program or service is being implemented as planned and any improvements that could be put in place.
- Evaluations are more strategic, designed to provide a robust evidence base for major decision-making, accountability, and determining the overall value and impact of the program or service.
Our project management approach is comprised of five key steps:
2. Planning
Once the project is approved, we will develop a detailed project plan, that includes governance, stakeholder roles and responsibilities, timelines, tasks, and resources; identifies risks and risk management strategies; and clearly specifies deliverables and delivery schedule.
3. Execution
With the project plan approved, we carry out the tasks detailed in the project plan, using project management tools and methodologies to ensure workflow is transparent and our clients are aware of progress at every stage.
4. Monitoring and Reporting
Simultaneously, we will track project progress against the plan using agreed key performance indicators (KPIs) providing regular reports to the client. We manage any changes required by the client and address any issues as soon as they arise to prevent scope creep, and ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.
5. Closure
Finally, once all project outputs are complete we will close the project and conduct a post-project review to document lessons learned for future projects.
Writing successful submissions for government grants requires careful planning and execution, attention to detail, and time. This can be hard to deliver in-house where staff and management expertise is likely more focused on serving their community and managing their organisation. We have the expertise to fill that gap.
We write submissions that stand out for the reviewer - that highlight the client's passion and clearly articulate why our client is the right one for the job.
- understanding of the need for the program or service
- experience in effectively developing, delivering, managing and monitoring similar programs or services
- capacity and staff capability to achieve the program or services objectives
- value for money budget
- proposed service model, and how that model will deliver the intended outcomes
- partnerships, linkages and referral pathways to ensure the service is integrated within the existing system enabling clients with streamlined access to all the services they need.
- are easy to read
- clearly address the grant assessment criteria and eligibility requirements, and
- provide strong evidence to back up all claims made
We use language that is clear and concise; we present evidence objectively and accurately; and we ensure any evidence used is current and relevant; and we deliver the submission on time. Together these features give our clients the best chance of success in the submission processes they participate in.
- build support for projects or new directions
- build positive relationships with their stakeholders
- bring multiple stakeholders with differing views together to discuss complex issues
- better understand community and stakeholder needs and wishes.
Our community and stakeholder engagement services include:
- the development of tailored communication and engagement plans
- stakeholder identification and mapping
- relationship establishment and management
- creation and delivery of communication materials and activities
- workshop and focus group facilitation
- engagement reporting.