3.8 Business services
'Installation of a new information communication technology system has ensured the operational capabilities of the National Blood Authority into the future.'
Secretariat
Under the National Blood Authority Act 2003, the functions of the National Blood Authority include providing support to the Jurisdictional Blood Committee and the National Blood Authority Board. The National Blood Authority coordinated and supported four meetings each for both the Jurisdictional Blood Committee and the National Blood Authority Board. Support included preparing papers, monitoring and updating progress against agreed work plans and providing liaison between the National Blood Authority and the members of these committees.
Key performance indicators set by the National Blood Authority relate to the quality and timeliness of support provided to the Jurisdictional Blood Committee. Table 8 shows progress in achievement of these indicators.
Business services
During the year the National Blood Authority finalised and implemented a number of policies and procedures to complete its suite of governance documentation. These included a Fraud Control Management Policy, Information Technology Security and Usage policies, a Records Management Policy, a Telecommunications Policy, and an Internet and Intranet Change Management Policy.
The Designing and Implementing a Record Keeping System project was completed in March 2007. This significant piece of work will ensure that the National Blood Authority's records are retained in a manner that supports business objectives and protects the Australian Government and its stakeholders.
Information Communication Technology Refresh Project
An initial project to identify the information communication technology needs of the National Blood Authority was completed in October 2006. As a result of the findings of the project, the National Blood Authority procured a greenfield information communication technology environment designed to ensure that current and future operational requirements can be met.
During April and May 2007, the new information communication technology environment was installed. It has resulted in increased productivity and improved information technology security.
The new information communication technology environment was also designed to provide the Integrated Data Management System with a robust and flexible environment in which to operate.
Customer Service Charter
During the year, the National Blood Authority developed, implemented and published on its website a new Customer Service Charter. The National Blood Authority is committed to providing a professional, quality and efficient service to clients and stakeholders in line with the Public Service Act 1999. In implementing the charter, the National Blood Authority provided staff members with training and support in dealing with customer feedback.
During the year, the National Blood Authority received 10 feedback responses. Six of these comments were supportive of its service, in particular consultation and stakeholder support. The National Blood Authority addressed issues in line with the charter's requirements.
Communications
The National Blood Authority has undertaken several communications projects to support its broader work including the publishing of:
- Clinical trends in the use of fresh blood
- Estimating Demand for Factor VIII up to 2015 – A Discussion Paper
- posters prepared for the General Manager's attendance at the XVIIth International Society of Blood Transfusion scientists regional conference
- information and guidance for applicants on submitting a National Blood Supply and Budget change proposal.
Ecologically sustainable development
In early 2007, the National Blood Authority voluntarily commenced its accreditation towards ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems)—a significant undertaking given the National Blood Authority's small size. The National Blood Authority continued to contribute to ecologically sustainable development by:
- subscribing to the whole-of-government electricity scheme and increasing the amount of green energy purchased to eight percent
- changing lighting to run on timers in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- contracting recycling service providers to recycle all paper, cardboard, aluminium and plastic containers, printer consumables, telecommunication handsets and batteries
- prescribing the use of only pH neutral, biodegradable, environmentally friendly cleaning products in the cleaning contract
- purchasing white office paper with a minimum 50 percent recycled paper component.