We’ve noticed you’re visiting from NZ. Click here to visit our NZS site.
What we do
Deliver excellence with Allen + Clarke's expert secretariat and strategic project management services. Our comprehensive project planning helps our clients deliver quality when it really matters, from Royal Commissions to Board meetings. We put people first, making sure you get what you need - whether that's providing backroom support or delivering frontline services.
-
Providing secretariat support underpinned by clear project planning - taking care of the details so you can focus on the big picture.
-
Using integrated project management, tech solutions and risk assessment to provide seamless service delivery.
-
Supporting high-profile Inquiries and Commissions with tested processes.
-
Improving delivery and performance with a people-centric approach.
Service Design + Delivery
Allen + Clarke can transform the way you work with effective project management and design thinking. We’ll help you get from idea to execution without stress, using project governance and human-centred management methods. Our service design and delivery experience include health support services across New Zealand and New South Wales providing risk management and full project coordination.
-
Service Innovation - designing processes and creative solutions that put people first, helping you to better meet the needs of your customers.
-
Service Delivery - integrating project coordination and risk management services, we deliver services on behalf of clients.
Governance Advice
Good governance is easy, right up until it's not. Whether you're facing a crisis or just wanting a review to prevent one, we offer a range of advice tailored to your situation. Assessing governance models, creating risk management frameworks, developing organisational values – we provide plenty of different ways to strengthen your organisation’s oversight.
-
Governance Reviews - providing independent reviews of your structures and processes to improve performance and prevent crises.
-
Strategic Support - assessing your current state and providing targeted services to manage risk and build future-proof governance frameworks.
Our clients
Secretariat + Board Support
With project management and governance policies, we help clients make boards more effective. We've provided oversight for organisations across New Zealand and Australia like Northern Energy Group, NZ Mental Health Tribunal and Australian Breastscreen National Quality Management Committee. We've worked on a variety of topics from financial risk management frameworks to meeting organisation and board support.
-
Board Logistics - making sure the nitty-gritty of meeting management is in place - bookings, venue management, minutes, agendas, travel arrangements, and payment of member fees.
-
Board Papers - working with management to prepare high-quality papers that support decision makers.
-
Performance Monitoring - integrating financial risk management and project governance insights into comprehensive board reports.
Related Projects
Related Projects
Projects
Less than a minute to read
Creating Powerful Connections for Energy Collaboration: Advisory and Secretariat Services for the Northern Energy Group
Read More
Projects
Less than a minute to read
Streamlining Tribunal Support: Secretariat Support for the Mental Health Review Tribunal
Read MoreGovernment Inquiries + Royal Commissions
Allen + Clarke has played a pivotal role in managing and delivering high profile Government Inquiries and Royal Commissions. We led the secretariat for the NZ Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, and supported the Dilworth Inquiry and the Royal Commission into Abuse in State Care.
We offer a range of support services - from project management and coordination, to programme governance and risk management, to collation and analysis of stakeholder input and document review. We work with other agencies and consultants to ensure independence, sensitivity and timely delivery of crucial inquiries.
-
Initiating Commissions - implementing secretariat and governance systems to ensure independence.
-
Strategic Support - delivering programme management expertise across the operational aspects of Royal Commissions.
-
Findings Reports - producing comprehensive inquiry reports, and supporting documentation (for example, analysis of stakeholders' views) that meet stringent standards.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide temporary or emergency secretariat support?
Yes, we can provide temporary or emergency support during transition periods, to respond to increased workloads or staff absence. We can rapidly deploy our team of experienced professionals to ensure continuity of governance and administrative functions.
What project management methodologies do you use?
Our team have experience with a range of project methodologies including traditional waterfall approaches for structured, sequential projects, and agile methodologies for more dynamic flexible projects. The methodology we use for each project will depend on the project requirements, and your existing project management frameworks. Whatever methodology we use, our approach focuses on robust risk management, comprehensive governance, and clear reporting structures.
How do you handle confidential information?
We have privacy and confidentiality policies including secure information management systems, training for our staff on privacy requirements, clear access and use procedures and confidentiality agreements. Our experience supporting sensitive inquiries and board processes mean we have robust processes in place and a thorough understanding of the risks and common pitfalls.
What technology platforms do you use for board management?
Our team have used a range of board management platforms including Boardable, OnBoard, and Diligent. We can work with your existing systems or recommend appropriate solutions. Our expertise covers digital board paper distributions systems, virtual meeting platforms, document management, and collaborative workflow tools.
How long does it typically take to establish a secretariat function?
The timeframe will vary depending on complexity and need but we can generally establish basic secretariat functions within 2 – 4 weeks. For urgent requirements, we can deploy a rapid response team to provide immediate support while developing more permanent structures and roles.
What does a human-centred design approach to service delivery look like?
Design thinking involves extensive engagement with end-users to understand their needs and develop solutions collaboratively. This ensures services are tailored to meet the needs and requirements of end-users, rather than their perceived requirements. Design thinking is an agile methodology which involves iterative prototyping and test of services, and continuous feedback and improvement.