A broader definition of workforce development
In 2002 NCETA defined workforce development as:
“…a multi-faceted approach which addresses the range of factors impacting on the ability of the workforce to function with maximum effectiveness in responding to alcohol and other drug related problems. Workforce development should have a systems focus. Unlike traditional approaches, this is broad and comprehensive, targeting individual, organisational and structural factors, rather than just addressing education and training of individual mainstream workers”.
The IGCD endorsed this definition and it has adopted by state based AOD workforce development strategies in New South Wales and Victoria (see NSW and Victorian Strategies below).
The foundations of WFD rest on the recognition that a range of interactive factors impact on effective AOD work.
The key components include:
A workforce development approach means moving the focus from individual workers to organisations and systems. It shifts the emphasis from skills deficit to systems enhancement by:
- Identifying and influencing the high-level systems that shape the workforce
(eg: legislation, policy, resources) - Identifying and addressing systems and structures that affect performance and outcomes (eg: support, resources and supervision)
- Developing strategies to support and improve individual performance
(eg: education, training, best practice guidelines) as well as workers’ wellbeing - Implementing strategies to ensure a sufficient pool of skilled workers for the future.
The WFD approach is now moving into the Australian AOD mainstream, with four states funding WFD units and/or convening high level WFD Committees.
Why is Workforce Development necessary?
The past few decades has seen substantial changes in the AOD field that have major implications for the development of a responsive, effective, and sustainable AOD workforce. The ability of AOD agencies and individual AOD workers to provide quality and timely responses has been impacted by:
- changing patterns of substance use,
- increased prevalence of polydrug use,
- a growing recognition of mental health/drug use comorbidity issues,
- an expanding knowledge base,
- advances in treatment protocols, and
- an emphasis on evidence based practice.
Further to this, it is increasingly recognised that AOD use and related problems cut across society and are a concern to a range of health and human service workers. There is growing demand for services, policies and programs from specialist AOD agencies and individual AOD workers, as well as generalist health and human service workers. Apart from specialilst workers, currently priorty groups within the AOD workforce are nurses; indigenous workers; rural/remote workers; and police.
Going forward...
NCETA has been at the forefront of researching, implementing and disseminating workforce development since the Centre's inception, and there has been considerable jurisdictional progress over the past 10 years.
Despite workforce development being a priority area of the 2004-2009 National Drug Strategic Framework, to-date a comprehensive, coordinated national framework has yet to be developed. Success has been achieved in a piecemeal fashion. A national approach would allow for consistency across sectors and jurisdictions, a more efficient use of resources, higher quality workforce development initiatives, and better outcomes for both clients of services and the community at large. A top level strategy will clearly define actions to be undertaken, provide timelines, and allocate responsibility for implementation.
It is NCETA's vision for the future that a workforce development framework be adopted at a national level and that this framework:
- builds on existing efforts and initiatives;
- involves broad consultation;
- draws on available research;
- considers identified trends, issues and concerns;
- identifies responses that can be realistically implemented in a timely manner, and;
- focuses on key areas.
For further information on Workforce Development see the Publications / Workforce Development / Research section on this site.
Workforce Development Issues: Towards a Framework for Action July 2004 (32 KB)
A one page document prepared for the Inter-Governmental Committee on Drugs.
