We partnered with a council to implement a comprehensive asset management governance initiative. This critical initiative involved introducing a new asset management governance structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for stakeholders across the asset management lifecycle. Through our human-centred change management approach, we successfully guided the organisation through this significant transition while helping to establish collaborative practices essential to realising the benefits of the new governance structure.

THE CHALLENGE

The council faced a complex transition in asset management governance, with the new governance structure requiring significant shifts in asset ownership and subsequent changes to patterns of behaviour and ways of working.

Stakeholders needed to adopt collaborative practices that crossed traditional departmental boundaries and embrace new communication patterns and joint decision-making processes. Simultaneously, the council needed to improve asset management knowledge and maturity across the organisation.

This cultural evolution involved redefining asset management responsibilities across multiple teams while ensuring all activities remained aligned with the council's strategic asset management objectives.

The council required a partner who could not only develop a comprehensive change management strategy but also foster the collaborative mindset necessary for the new governance model to succeed. 

THE SOLUTION

Our team developed a comprehensive change management approach to support the successful implementation of the new asset management governance structure, with particular focus on fostering the collaborative practices essential to realise its benefits.

Key steps:

1. Assessment & Planning: We conducted change impact and readiness workshops with stakeholders across the organisation and engaged directly with Executive Leaders to prepare their teams for the new governance structure. These activities provided critical insights that informed our subsequent change management approach.
2. Strategy Development: Based on our assessments, we developed a Cultural Change Roadmap specific to asset management governance, along with a detailed Change Strategy and supporting Change Implementation Plans. These documents provided a clear pathway for implementing the new governance structure while addressing potential resistance points.
3. Implementation Support: Our team worked closely with the council to support the rollout of the new governance framework. We captured stories and case studies where collaborative processes were working effectively and used these to develop an Asset Management Governance Playbook - a practical resource with real worked examples designed to help staff navigate their new roles and responsibilities.
4. Embedding Change: Following the success of the initial implementation, we conducted follow-up engagements to ensure the changes were embedded and sustainable. We focused on reinforcing new behaviours and collaborative practices to maximise long-term benefits from the new governance framework.

Key features:

• Human-Centred Approach: Our methodology prioritised stakeholder engagement and addressed the human factors critical to successful change adoption
• Practical Resources: The Asset Management Governance Playbook provided an engaging and enduring artefact that shared case studies, key insights, and learning points to support ongoing implementation
• Collaborative Development: We maintained constant communication with the Project Lead to ensure alignment on deliverables and expectations
• Flexible Adaptation: Our approach allowed for minor scope adjustments to incorporate critical elements while ensuring the project was delivered on time and on budget
• Knowledge Transfer: We leveraged the council's internal expertise and resources to enable the delivery of high-value outcomes while building internal capability

THE RESULTS

The implementation of the new asset management governance structure is achieving significant positive outcomes for the council. 

Our change management approach fostered high levels of stakeholder engagement and buy-in, helping to mitigate potential resistance and establish new collaborative practices across the organisation. The project significantly improved asset management knowledge and maturity across the council, creating a strong foundation for more effective asset lifecycle management.

The Asset Management Governance Playbook is proving to be a valuable resource that continues to guide staff as they navigate their asset management roles and responsibilities under the new structure. Its case studies and practical guidance are helping to embed a culture of collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the asset management lifecycle.

The project received external recognition for its effectiveness, being selected as a finalist in the Asset Management Council's 2024 Asset Management Excellence Awards. This acknowledgment validated the effectiveness of our human-centred, collaborative approach to implementing governance change.

The successful implementation of the governance framework is creating lasting positive change for both the organisation and the community it serves, establishing a foundation for continuous improvement in asset management practices across the council.