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CPO David Smit |
By Michael Brooke
Volume
49, No. 7, May 4, 2006
HMAS Stirling CO CMDR Paul Bartlett said feedback from focus groups
indicated a positive and cumulative effect about Sea Change initiatives
including the introduction of a Human Resource Management Cell
(HRMC).
HRMC Manager CPO David Smit told Navy News that the cell is responsible
for the long-term management of sailors landed at Stirling by
ships deploying or placed in pool positions for administrative
purposes.
“The HR cell organises divisional coverage to those sailors
landed for medical or other reasons,” he said.
“Additionally, the HR Cell places sailors in worthwhile employment
ashore while awaiting their next posting or until they are ready
to deploy back to sea.”
In the past, the regulating office performed this role, but due
to the numbers of personnel requiring assistance and the need
to concentrate on day-to-day regulating tasks, it was necessary
to split the organisation.
CPO Smit said the benefits of the HRMC for sailors include:
- A dedicated organisation looking after the welfare of sailors
landed at Stirling and their families.
- Better management of sailors on behalf of ships deployed with
a single point of contact for updates and reviews.
- Constant review of management processes to identify and rectify
shortfalls in the administration of sailors.
- Proper employment of sailors based on medical restrictions with
the view of rehabilitating and returning sailors back to sea duties.
- Ensuring proper administration of sailors as they transition
into civilian life while gainfully employing them prior to discharge.
CPO Smit said the positive feedback he had received about the
HRMC included comments of appreciation from both WAHP ships, divisional
staff and sailors currently under the management of the HRMC Stirling.
