Instructions now easier to follow

AN enhanced, user-friendly edition of the Chief Executive Instructions (CEIs) has been posted on the Defweb and the Chief Finance Officer web site.

The Edition 3 instructions are values based rather than process driven and written with minimum reliance on rules and red tape in simplified language and with direct hot links to information.

The new instructions have been strongly promoted through workshops, pilot sites, newsletters and other sources, with feedback obtained from Defence members incorporated into the instructions.

Defence’s Financial Management Policy Section conducted 26 information sessions, speaking to more than 1600 officials and receiving overwhelming support for the enhanced version.

In addition to general restructuring, the re-write has introduced three specific initiatives aimed at streamlining the way Defence does business:

• The removal of the administrative appointment of Officials Authorised to Approve Payment (OAAP). Under the new arrangements, the responsibility for checking and clearing a claim for payment will become part of a designated official’s duties.
• Update to procedures relating to credit cards. The NAB purchasing card has now been introduced and a new instruction raised. New requirements for the Defence Purchasing Card (DPC) are also explained in the CEIs.
• An insertion into the Procurement of Goods and Services instruction to allow managers to nominate a single delegate to perform the functions of all three procurement delegations for procurement under $5000. This change provides managers with the opportunity to reduce excessive transaction costs.

  The enhanced CEIs are available on the Defweb at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/cei

• By Ben Caddaye

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