Assurance activities collectively contribute to the assessment of the overall effectiveness of disaster management in Queensland. Each assurance activity differs in the level of complexity, independence, scope, depth, and rigour, to provide insight into the performance of the sector. Environmental and horizon scanning-activities highlight areas that require further analysis and enquiry.
Assurance activities led by the Office of the Inspector-General of Emergency Management
Under s16C of the Act, the Office of IGEM has the function to review and assess effectiveness of disaster management of the State, district, and local groups. This is the function under which assurance activities are conducted.
Assurance activities are scheduled as part of an annual planning process to work through identified and emerging issues. These activities may focus on an aspect of the Standard for Disaster Management in Queensland (the Standard), the capability of a disaster management group or entity, or other topics.. The Office of the IGEM analyses data from a range of activities and measures the results against the Standard.
The focus of assurance activities conducted by the Office of the IGEM is determined by a robust process that considers the priority and complexity of an issue, directing the resources of the office and the sector toward activities and initiatives intended to produce the best outcomes for the Queensland community.
The sector
Entities within the sector also have a responsibility to conduct assurance activities on their disaster management arrangements to ensure that they meet legislative requirements and community expectations. For example, disaster management groups have the responsibility under the Act to regularly review their disaster management plans; this regular review process is an assurance activity.
The focus of entities' assurance activities should be determined by their risks, priorities, and needs. They may be conducted through processes such as lessons management or using resources and tools developed by the office to assist in the application of the Standard.
Types of assurance activities
The Office of the IGEM has a tiered approach to assurance that helps classify the types of activities being undertaken. The tiers reflect the level of independence, depth, scope, and rigour applied to activities.
At the lowest level, an assurance activity may have a broad scope, limited independence (self-assessment), and little rigour or depth, and will therefore only provide an indication of the situation. At the highest level, an assurance activity may have a well-defined scope, form an independent inquiry, and have significant depth and rigour. These activities will provide a higher level of confidence. However, higher levels of assurance come at an increased time and resource cost.
