Defence

Capability Development Group

Framework for recognition in CDG

By Michelle Avery

Recognising and rewarding people for a job well done is a priority in Capability Development Group (CDG). A new framework, designed to provide an avenue for formally recognising and rewarding achievements and contributions in the capability realm, was recently launched by Lieutenant General (LTGEN) David Hurley, Chief of Capability Development Group (CCDG).

Lieutenant General David Hurley at the inaugural CDG presentation day.
Photo provided by CDG

LTGEN Hurley hopes that the CDG Reward and Recognition Framework will contribute to creating an environment where people can feel empowered to achieve their best.

"I want CDG to be an organisation that people will aspire to work in. Recognising the great efforts by teams and individuals is important in creating a positive and supportive work environment," says LTGEN Hurley.

The reward and recognition framework complements the existing Defence Honours and Awards structure and has its own supporting nomination process. The framework comprises three awards that enable team and individual performance to be recognised and is open for nominations for all CDG staff and, in special circumstances, staff from other Groups who have contributed to CDG business and outcomes. The awards are:

• The Chief Capability Development (CCDG) Achievement Award - recognises achievements of the highest level that have a significant benefit for both CDG and the wider Capability Development Domain, this is the highest award in the framework. Achievements are defined as identified or implemented improvements to the way CDG does business with external stakeholders to meet CDG strategic priorities. Recipients of this award receive a CCDG Commendation.
• The Team Achievement Award and Individual Achievement Award - recognises outstanding performance by a team or individual that required sustained commitment and effort and that has had significant benefit for an individual Branch or Directorate, or possibly the wider Group.

In addition to the above recognition the recipients are presented with a framed certificate, gift voucher and are provided with access to a 'capability reward'. The capability reward - the third in the overall framework - is considered an integral part of the framework as it provides recipients with the opportunity to experience capability first hand. Capability Rewards include 'sea' days, viewing live testing with Directorate of Trials or the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, visiting a military base, participation in a Service 'familarisation' course, or even the opportunity to spend one working day with CCDG to experience 'life at the top'.

Introducing the CCDG Achievement Award winners for 2005.

Recipients of individual commendations were:

Mr Richard Savage-Morton - Communications Branch, Defence Materiel - Integrated Broadcast Service

Mr Savage-Morton was recognised for his dedication and professionalism as the Defence Material Organisation's Project Manager of JP 2065, the Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS). Mr Savage-Morton's expertise, initiative and reliability resulted in consistently impressive project management performance.

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) John Humphries - Maritime Development

LCDR Humphries was recognised for his invaluable contribution as Staff Officer Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving capability development.

Major (MAJ) Michael Conlon - Land 121 Project Overlander

MAJ Michael (Mick) Conlon was commended for his exceptional performance during 2004 and 2005 as the Desk Officer for LAND 121 Project Overlander - Field Vehicles and Trailers. MAJ Conlon's professional and tireless approach was instrumental in the Project being able to overcome a myriad of complexities.

Mr Martin Dunn - Director Capability Guidance

Mr Dunn was instrumental in implementing a more effective strategic capability planning framework within Defence that provides clearer links to strategic priorities.

Captain (CAPT) Michael Scott - Land Development - Combat.

Recognised for his outstanding efforts as the Staff Officer Combat Light during 2005, CAPT Scott's performance was crucial to enhancing the survivability and capability of light armoured vehicles.

Dawn O'Hara Directorate of Capability Operations (DCOP)

Recognised for her sustained efforts over the period November 2004 to July 2005 to substantially improve Project Development Funds management within the Group.

Dan Williams - Capability and Plans Branch -Preparedness

Recognised for his great dedication and effectiveness within the Preparedness Directorate, Mr Williams was successful in the coordination of numerous preparedness-related conferences, meetings and briefings.

Mike Price - Capability and Plans Branch - Explosive Ordinance (EO) Study

Recognised for his selfless dedication to completing Explosive Ordnance (EO) related tasks in minimum time with limited resources.

Team Achievement Award winners in 2005

Capability Systems Division - Land Development Branch - LAND 121 Overlander Team

Team members: Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Dave Buller, MAJ Steve Wagener and MAJ Mick Conlan

This team was recognised for their exceptional performance during 2005 and their contribution to developing LAND 121 for successful request for tender release. The teams sustained commitment in conducting a complex and high profile project saw the team establish and maintain effective channels of communication, exceptional customer focus and detailed liaison across a very wide network of stakeholders and associated user groups. The team was successful in identifying, championing and implementing new effective and efficient processes and procedures that are a benchmark within the Group.

Directorate of Business Management - Financial Management Team

Team members: John Forner, Christine Lamb, Michelle Liu Aves, Phil Davies, Donna Rowbothom, Sue Griffiths, Yvonne Perera

The team was commended for their contribution over the past 12 months to the efforts of the Group's Financial Management Section during a period of sustained pressure and constantly evolving requirements. The team was recognised for providing a high quality financial management service that has consistently met or exceeded internal expectations. The teams' contribution was instrumental in forming a strong foundation for future effective financial management within CDG.

"It was encouraging for the team to receive recognition for the hard work in setting up and maintaining the CDG Financial Management processes over the past 12 months," says Mr Davies.

Capability & Plans Branch - Network Centric Warfare Implementation Team

Team members: Group Captain Ian Meyn, Mark Elston, Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Mike Barry, LTCOL Hank Gregory

The Network Centric Warfare Implementation (NWCI) team was recognised for outstanding performance and professionalism in progressing key Network Centric Warfare (NCW) initiatives across Defence during 2005. Through their combined efforts they published planning documents, significantly raised the profile of NCW across Defence and established a coordinated and effective Australian approach to NCW implementation.

"One of the things I have enjoyed about being part of CDG is that LTGEN Hurley, and the senior staff, go out of their way to acknowledge our work and to make us feel like an important part of the larger team," says LTCOL Barry. "The end of year BBQ and the presentation of individual and team awards are just one example of the personal approach taken by CCDG.

"I am pleased to have been able to contribute, as part of the Directorate of NCW Implementation, to the overall performance of CDG."

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