The Making it Work: Framework for Remote Rural Workforce Stability, released in 2019, provides a strategic approach to addressing workforce challenges in remote and rural communities. Developed through international collaboration involving experts from various regions, the framework identifies nine key strategic elements categorised into three main tasks: Plan, Recruit, and Retain.
Key Components:
- Plan: The framework emphasises the importance of assessing local population service needs and aligning service models accordingly. It encourages developing profiles of target recruits to ensure that recruitment strategies are effectively tailored.
- Recruit: A major focus is on fostering community engagement and emphasising information sharing to attract professionals who are committed to long-term roles. The framework also highlights the need for support systems for families and spouses, which are crucial for successful recruitment and retention in rural settings.
- Retain: Retention strategies outlined in the framework include supporting team cohesion, providing relevant professional development opportunities, and training future professionals within the local context. This ensures that workforce members are well-prepared and invested in their roles.
Conditions for Success:
The framework outlines five conditions essential for the successful implementation of these strategies:
- Recognition of unique rural and remote issues: Understanding the distinct challenges faced by rural communities is crucial.
- Inclusion of rural and remote engagement: Ensuring that local voices are heard and involved in decision-making processes.
- Adequate investment: Securing sufficient resources to support long-term workforce sustainability.
- An annual cycle of activities: Maintaining a proactive approach through regular, planned activities that address workforce needs.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Continuously assessing the impact of implemented strategies to make necessary adjustments.
By adopting a whole-of-community approach, the Making it Work framework provides a robust model for enhancing workforce stability in remote and rural areas. It emphasises the need for tailored, community-driven solutions and a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. This framework serves as a comprehensive guide for local, regional, and national leaders aiming to build a sustainable and effective workforce in remote and rural settings, ultimately leading to improved health and socio-economic outcomes for these communities.
Developed over seven years by an international collaboration of northern and rural residents who are academics, professionals, and administrators, the Making it Work: Framework for Remote Rural Workforce Stability describes a spectrum of strategic elements that are essential to advancing consistent access to high-quality essential services in rural and remote environments. Local, regional and national authorities that are committed to ensuring investments in rural and remote communities are making a difference, and encouraged to review these conditions for success, and to examine their own practices in each of the Framework elements.
We are seeking expressions of interest from passionate community leaders to join a newly formed Community Steering Group. This group will be responsible for developing a comprehensive, whole-of-community strategy focused on workforce attraction and retention in the Bundaberg region. Your leadership and insights will be instrumental in addressing the unique needs of our community and ensuring its sustainable future. If you are committed to making a lasting impact, we invite you to express your interest. Click Here to express your interest.
