Evaluation
Maturity Model
What is a Maturity Model?
A maturity model is a scorecard that classifies and helps progress the evolution of an agency strategy from a less ordered, less effective state to a highly ordered, highly effective state. In 2003 the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) aligned a maturity model to ACTPS frameworks such as the Learning and Development and the Equity and Diversity Frameworks. One purpose of this was to give agencies the ability to measure, on a scorecard, their level of maturity against the framework and identify areas of success and areas of need. Agencies would then have a much clearer picture of their own initiatives in relation to the plans and directions of the ACTPS. Agency reporting from this scorecard would in turn provide a common language guide to help inform future public service and agency planning directions.
The maturity model has five levels or stages. The first or beginning stage is Level 1 - Ad hoc which in some models is referred to as the “chaotic” state. The most developed stage is Level 5 - Optimized, sometimes referred to as “nirvana” in other models. Level 5 is a state where, when reached, agencies have embedded good practice that is maintained by constant awareness of the issues and re-evaluation of initiatives. The maturity model scorecard enables agencies to track their progress in key priority areas or outcomes of the framework or plan being measured.
The maturity model allows agencies to map their progress with relation to a framework’s objectives. It can be used as a guide to build on and improve current workforce practice. It is a tool to enable agencies to incorporate operational practice with the strategic intent of the framework. The maturity model is a frame of reference which enables agencies to, assess where they currently are in relation to the model scorecard, create a strategy or plan to reach their goals and measure their progress along the way.
Use of the model across the ACTPS will provide agencies, and the ACTPS as a whole, with the following benefits:
- A common language;
- Individual mapping of progress;
- Direction and a common goal, both at agency level and from a service wide perspective;
- Improved reporting practice;
- Informed and strategically targeted funding commitments; and
- Moves beyond benchmarking, which can limit initiative and innovation.
What can we expect to
achieve?
The ACT Public Service is a large organisation that operates as a unified body through a diverse range of departments, agencies and statutory bodies. Use of the maturity model scorecard across the ACTPS will create synergy through the availability of shared language communication between executive, HR practitioners and across all strategic and operational areas. The ACTPS maturity model will then act as a platform from which many other achievements will flow.
ACTPS agencies are therefore encouraged to use the maturity model in all aspects of agency planning, measuring and reporting.
The maturity model is contained in the Equity
and Diversity Framework. It is intended to assist agencies
to monitor and evaluate their capacity to promote the principles
of Equity and Diversity as outlined in the Framework. An alternative
form of the maturity model including potential indicators
is also included. Indicators describe ‘what successful
practice might look like’. These have not been included
in the original maturity model (as included within the Equity
and Diversity Framework) as the Equity and Diversity Network
felt these to more appropriate within the toolkit. Please
click here
to access the alternative maturity model.