Australian Institute of Family Studies
Strategic Plan 2006-2008

Mission - Who we are:

AIFS is a national and international leader in identifying, developing and providing timely and reliable information about issues affecting families in Australia.

Vision - What we do now and in the future:

The Australian Institute of Family Studies will contribute to family wellbeing in Australia by undertaking high-quality research that informs the Australian Government and the community and influences policy, services and support for families.

In all our activities we value:

Our relationship to the National Research Priorities:

The Institute's work falls within the Australian Government's National Research Priority Area, Promoting good health and wellbeing for all Australians.

Our stakeholders:

The Institute's key stakeholders are:

Our Strategic Objectives:

  1. Conduct high quality research on a broad range of policy relevant issues regarding families in Australia.
  2. Inform and influence policy development, in areas relevant to family well-being.
  3. Promote and lead public understanding and debate about factors affecting family functioning and wellbeing.
  4. Identify and communicate current and emerging issues in family research, policy and practice.
  5. Maintain and strengthen our role as the national centre for research on families.

Our Key Performance Indicators:

1. Conduct high quality research on a broad range of policy relevant issues regarding families in Australia
StrategyWhenOutcomeEvidence
Develop Research Plan April 2006 Research Plan completed
  • Board and Ministerial acceptance of Research Plan
  • Acceptance by Chief Scientist of the AIFS National Research Priorities Implementation Plan
Research Plan implementation 2006-2008 Research outputs produced on time and in line with any contractual requirements and deliverables
  • 95% of projects meet scheduled outputs and budget
Extend and consolidate research base Ongoing Enhanced research program
  • At least three new research collaborations entered into per year
  • At least three significant new contracts per year


2. Inform and influence policy development
StrategyWhenOutcomeEvidence
Establish and maintain effective communications with Minister and FaCSIA 2006 and ongoing FaCSIA and the Minister's Office are kept fully informed about AIFS activities
  • Minister's office satisfaction with quality and timeliness of communication processes and protocols
  • FaCSIA satisfaction with implementation of protocols and procedures
Develop effective mechanisms to ensure that research is communicated to policy makers Ongoing Demonstrated influence of the Institute's research in contributing to Government policy and programs
  • 15% increase over 2006-08 in the frequency of positive mentions of Institute research findings by the Minister, or in Parliament
Engage directly in high level policy development forums Ongoing AIFS invited to participate in relevant forums
  • Representation on government task forces, committees and working groups


3. Promote and lead public understanding and debate about factors affecting family functioning and wellbeing
StrategyWhenOutcomeEvidence
Maximise opportunities for coverage of AIFS' research in print and electronic media Ongoing AIFS research findings disseminated to general public, via media
  • Minister/Secretary satisfaction with AIFS' management of media inquiries
  • Mentions in press and geographical spread of reportage maintained at current high levels
Strengthen AIFS profile among community and family service organisations Ongoing AIFS research findings inform family service practice
  • 10% increase per year in community organisations' membership of mailing and discussion lists
Strengthen AIFS profile in the research community Ongoing AIFS remains a leader in family research in Australia
  • 15% increase over 2006-08 in the number of Institute authored journal articles
  • 20% of all editions of Family Matters from external authors (subject to journal standards)


4. Identify and communicate current and emerging issues in family research, policy and practice
StrategyWhenOutcomeEvidence
Effective communication of AIFS research to key stakeholders through the development and implementation of communications plans for AIFS projects 2006-08 AIFS' reputation as an impartial and reliable authority on issues related to family wellbeing is enhanced
Research communicated in a timely manner in appropriate formats
Stakeholder views influence program planning
  • Family Matters published three times per year
  • Contracted publications produced on time, and on budget
  • 15% increase over 3 years in access rates to web-based publications and on-line mailing services
  • 80% of respondents to customer satisfaction surveys give a high rating for relevance, usefulness, and timeliness of activity
Maintain and strengthen partnerships and networks Ongoing AIFS is involved in strategic partnerships with government, service provider and research communities
  • Increase in active partnership arrangements in which AIFS is a participant


5. Maintain and strengthen our role as the national centre for research on families
StrategyWhenOutcomeEvidence
Implement recommendations of Uhrig report and assessment and complete transition to Financial Management and Accountability Act July 2006 and ongoing Effective transition to FMA governance and business model
  • Transition arrangements completed satisfactorily
  • New financial systems and governance arrangements comply with FMA
Promote AIFS as an "employer of choice" through the implementation of best practice people management strategies, in line with APS values and code of conduct Ongoing AIFS is able to recruit and retain high quality staff who are trained motivated and resourced to perform at their highest level
  • Staff surveys indicate high levels of staff satisfaction
  • Certified Agreement negotiations completed on time and within Government policy parameters
Implement Planning Framework and Schedule 2006-08 Plans and processes in place across the Institute to ensure effective systems and processes are documented and implemented
  • Documented progress against Planning Framework Schedule
Accommodation Review and relocation 2006 - Feb 2007 Market search initiated and contracts negotiated for suitable premises
  • Accommodation arrangements successfully completed


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