IGEM conducts performance monitoring to proactively identify emerging performance issues, risks and trends. In doing so, IGEM leverages the data gathered through organisations' existing risk and performance information.
This function is closely linked with implementation monitoring in that consideration will be given to the status of planned improvement actions in assessing performance with the sector.
Where IGEM has a monitoring function for a specific organisation, it works collaboratively with its people.
These organisations assist IGEM by providing notifications of incidents that may have had adverse consequences. IGEM then applies its risk-based assessment process to determine if it needs to undertake any form of IGEM led review or whether it is appropriate for IGEM to monitor the organisation's own internal review or investigation.
When undertaking detailed monitoring activities, IGEM applies and promotes the use of a root cause analysis approach to ensure that it identifies not only the causal factors but also the underlying causes of performance issues. This ensures that any proposed treatments are more likely to be effective in reducing risk.
All IGEM's assurance activities are guided by the Assurance Framework for Emergency Management which provides the foundation for a coordinated and collaborative approach to sector-wide assurance.
The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) handles the calltaking and dispatch system for approximately 6,600 emergency and non-emergency calls daily, in addition to other communications for Victoria's emergency management organisations and agencies.
Under the Emergency Services Telecommunications Act 2004, IGEM determines the non-financial performance standards for ESTA's delivery of services to the emergency services organisations. IGEM establishes these standards in consultation with emergency services organisations.
The Emergency Management Act 2013 requires IGEM to monitor and investigate ESTA's performance and report any related issues to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services.
On 30 October 2017, the government announced response time data, held by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA), will be published every quarter.
As a complementary activity, and to provide government and the community with confidence, the Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM) will implement an independent assurance process to ensure the ongoing integrity of response time data. This will also include analysis of data and measures to inform the development of future response strategies.
IGEM will conduct this new monitoring role in accordance with its legislative assurance functions and in close consultation with the fire services. This work will ensure the veracity and reliability of the data that is used to inform decision making and investment strategies, that underpin the ongoing effectiveness and efficiency of fire services' response as Victoria continues to grow.
Since November 2015, IGEM manages the prompt investigation and reporting of any breaches of control lines by planned burns conducted by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
IGEM and DELWP have taken a cooperative approach to establish a prompt, efficient, sustainable, and accountable process for managing the investigation of planned burns that breach control lines. This is in accordance with principles described in Victoria's Assurance Framework for Emergency Management.
Visit the implementation monitoring page to find which agreed actions and recommendations IGEM tracks for implementation and effectiveness.