Difference between revisions of "Surge Team"

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![[#Team|<big><div id="Team"><span style="color:#ffffff">The Surge Team</span></big>]]
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!<big>[[#How We Can Help|<span style="color:#ffffff">How We Can Help</span>]]</big>
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<big><big>'''For best results please view this page on a desktop browser'''</big></big><br>
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<big><big>'''Pour la version française, [https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Equipe_de_renfort cliquez ici]'''</big></big>
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=='''<big><big><big>The Surge Team</big></big></big>'''==
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<big><big>Established at the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) in 2018, the Priority Initiatives - or Surge -  Team supports policy projects where quick action or breakthroughs are needed. We do not have ongoing files. Instead, we collaborate on time-limited projects with partners at the CSPS and across the federal public service.</big>
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<big>In our work, we emphasize clear problem definition and rigorous analysis. We also provide a challenge function to help our partners identify desired outcomes and outputs. On horizontal files, we have acted as a neutral third party to help find common ground and build bridges within and across organizations.</big>
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<big>Our policy professionals have a range of experiences and skills that help us deliver on partners' needs. We specialize in facilitated sessions, presentations, policy briefs, and synthesis products, and have experience developing reports and decision documents.</big>
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<big>To learn more about us and our work, please reach out to [mailto:surgesolutionsunit@csps-efpc.gc.ca surgeteam-equipederenfort@csps-efpc.gc.ca] or visit our [https://gcxgce.sharepoint.com/teams/1000611/ '''GCXchange Site'''] for more details. This site also contains resources and reflections from past projects. </big></big>
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<br>
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==<div id="How We Can Help">'''<big><big>How We Can Help</big></big>'''==
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<big><big>'''We meet our partners where they're at''' - whether it's collaborating on a project from day one or helping push a file over the finish line.</big></big>
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|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Problem Definition'''</big></big>
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<big>Ensuring everyone has a common understanding of the issue supported by brainstorming, consultation, and research</big>
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|[[File:9-12_purple_question_mark.png|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Options Development'''</big></big>
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<big>Collaboratively identifying a range of workable solutions that are grounded in evidence, critical analysis, and creativity</big>
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|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Next Steps & Reflections'''</big></big>
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<big>Offering support to put ideas into effect, and capturing lessons learned to apply to future work</big>
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|[[File:6-9_brain.png|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|[[File:4-6_speech_bubble.png|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Engagement & Briefing'''</big></big>
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<big>Validating possible solutions by engaging with stakeholders, and generating products that tell a compelling story</big>
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<big><big>'''We offer a range of policy services''' to meet our partners' needs, including:</big></big> <br>
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|style="width:100px"|[[FILE:2.1book2.svg]]
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|style="width:150px"|<big><big>'''Research & Analysis'''</big></big>
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|<big>Problem diagnosis, framing and definition; Environmental scans; Data collection, analysis, and synthesis; Conducting interviews and focus groups</big>
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|style="width:100px"|[[FILE:2.2hand.svg]]
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|style="width:150px"|<big><big>'''Challenge Function'''</big></big>
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|<big>Soundboard for ideas; Providing strategic advice; Helping teams think through complex files and find clarity on how to manage the work (e.g., how to navigate through the system/process)</big>
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|style="width:150px"|<big><big>'''Building Capacity'''</big></big>
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|<big>Team learning through projects; Lessons Learned facilitation; Skills-oriented workshops</big>
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|style="width:100px"|[[FILE:2.4talk.svg]]
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!<big>[[#Team|<span style="color:#ffffff">About Us</span>]]</big>
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|style="width:150px"|<big><big>'''Engagement & Facilitation'''</big></big>
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!<big>[[#Resources|<span style="color:#ffffff">Reports and Resources</span>]]</big>
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|<big>Convening groups to tackle shared files and common problems; Designing engagement strategies; Planning and hosting engagement sessions; Strengthening horizontal collaboration; Driving groups towards agreement on next steps </big>
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|style="width:100px"|[[FILE:2.5present.svg]]
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|style="width:150px"|<big><big>'''Synthesis & Briefing'''</big></big>
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|<big>Decks; Placemats; Dashboards; Policy reports; What We Heard reports; Supporting the drafting of key policy and decision documents (e.g., Memorandum to Cabinet, medium-term planning, performance measurement frameworks)</big>
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==<div id="How We Work"><big><big>'''How We Work'''</big></big>  ==
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<big><big>Our approach is '''most effective with engaged and collaborative partners''': we use regular touchpoints throughout the project to build on your expertise and respond to your needs.</big></big>
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|style="width:400px"|[[File:01_arrow_right3.png|frameless|center|upright=0.5]]
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|style=text-align:center;background:#FBE190|<big><big>'''Discuss'''</big></big>
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|style=text-align:center;background:#9ad4d6|<big><big>'''Design a Plan'''</big></big>
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|style=text-align:center;background:#4e3f78;color:#FFFFFF|<big><big>'''Develop and Deliver'''</big></big>
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|style=text-align:center;background:#627dd0;color:#FFFFFF|<big><big>'''Conclude'''</big></big>
 
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|style=text-align:left;background:#FDF0C7|<big>- '''Explain''' our service model <br>- '''Learn''' about your needs <br>- '''Discuss''' objectives, scope, and timelines</big>  
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== '''<big>The Surge Team</big>''' ==
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|style=text-align:left;background:#cdeaeb|<big>- '''Discuss''' specific deliverables and identify key stakeholders <br>- '''Determine''' roles and responsibilities <br>- '''Agree''' on project scope and schedule through a <br>- '''Draft''' a Memorandum of Understanding</big>
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<div style="text-align: left">
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|style=text-align:left;background:#ccc5e1|<big>- '''Evaluate''' progress and incorporate feedback <br>- '''Revise''' deliverables, scope, and timelines as needed to meet objectives</big>
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<h1 style="color:#3f2a56"><div id="Overview"><strong>Team Overview</strong></div></h1> [PAGE UNDER DEVELOPMENT]
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|style=text-align:left;background:#d2daf2|<big>- '''Close out''' deliverables <br>- '''Discuss''' project transition period <br>- '''Share lessons learned''' to promote continuous learning</big>
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The Surge Team is housed in the Canada School of Public Service and provides support on projects across government where quick action or breakthroughs are needed.
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<br>
  
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By bringing a diverse set of skills, perspectives, and tools the Surge Team can work on a variety of projects such as policy briefs, facilitation, summaries, presentations, and even SaaS solutions.
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<big><big>As a team, '''we work in a series of short sprints and deep dives''' to improve the quality of products. Our work is '''iterative''' and '''collaborative''': we redefine problem statements and generate more research as we move forward, adjusting course as needed. Consulting with stakeholders is a critical part of how we do our work.</big></big>
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[[File:Approaching work.png|center|frameless|upright=3]]
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We help you reach your objectives through a range of services that result in tangible products.
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=='''<big>Past Projects & Partners</big>'''==
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<big><big>Since December 2018, we have worked with several organizations to deliver over 50 projects with more than 150 individual deliverables. You can find details on these projects, as well as lessons we've learned along the way, on our [https://gcxgce.sharepoint.com/teams/1000611 GCXchange site].</big></big>
  
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<big><big>Our projects touch on many policy areas, including public administration and machinery of government, social policy, Indigenous relations, national security, and innovation, among others. </big></big>
 
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<h1 style="color:#3f2a56"><div id="Team"><strong>About the Team</strong></div></h1>
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==='''<big>Examples of Projects</big>'''===
 
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{|
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|[[File:Lego - product team.png|left|frameless|alt=Decorative image - lego blocks]]
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|style=background:#358083|[[File:3.4table.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|
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|style=background:#cdeaeb|'''<big>Modern Public Engagement: Facilitated Discussions and Engagement Framework Development</big>'''
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===<big>What Does Our Team Consist Of?</big>===
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''<big>Partnership with Transport Canada</big>''
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*<big>15 policy professionals</big>
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*<big>Diverse & multidisciplinary</big>
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- Curated tools and resources relevant to public engagement that will support Transport Canada's Transformation Plan
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- Developed a public engagement framework in prototype format that articulates 5 broad phases of engagement and explores best practices
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|-
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|style=background:#627DD0|[[File:3.5plume.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|style=background:#d2daf2|'''<big>Memorandum to Cabinet Process</big>'''
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''<big>Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada</big>''
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- Conducted Research and analysis to support pre-drafting process (how to tell a good story through an MC)
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- Offered strategic advice and Surge capacity for coordinating a horizontal MC
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- Curated tools and resources to support drafting process
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|-
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|style=background:#4e3f78|[[File:3.6flow.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|style=background:#ccc5e1|'''<big>Renewed Horizontal Performance Measurement Framework</big>'''
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''<big>Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada</big>''
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- Engaged 12 federal organizations to identify practices for more consistent and meaningful performance measurement
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- Took stock of data and briefing materials to support the adoption of a new logic model
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- Developed practices for viable disaggregated data collection and reporting
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|-
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|style=background:#358083|[[File:3.2bubble.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|style=background:#cdeaeb|'''<big>Behavioural Insights Blended Services Pilot: Facilitated Workshop Learning</big>'''
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''<big>Partnership with the Policy Community Partnership Office, Privy Council Office, and Behavioural Insights Team</big>''
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- Applied a team-based learning-by-doing approach to teach public servants about Behavioral Insights and make concrete progress on real problems
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- Combined expert-led training and one-on-one support to develop BI-based interventions for real world challenges
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|-
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|style=background:#627DD0|[[File:3.3book.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|style=background:#d2daf2|'''<big>Reconciliation Primer: Policy Brief and Learning Tool</big>'''
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''<big>Partnership with Health Canada</big>''
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- Drafted a learning resource for public servants on the principles, history, and policy of reconciliation and the role of the public service
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- Engaged with Indigenous public servants and policy experts across the public service
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- Content contributed to the app [https://www.csps-efpc.gc.ca/tools/apps/ils/index-eng.aspx Reconciliation: A Starting Point]
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|-
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|style=background:#4e3f78|[[File:3.1calendar.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
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|style=background:#ccc5e1|<big>'''Online Transition Planner and Checklist: A Tool to Support Government Transition'''</big>
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''<big>Partnership with the Privy Council Office</big>''
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- Centralized a checklist of tasks to be completed for all incoming and outgoing Ministers, staff, and offices
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- Deployed a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tool across the GC
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- Provided an enterprise-wide view of transition activities for the Privy Council Office
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<h1 style="color:#3f2a56"><div id="Resources"><strong>Reports and Resources</strong></div></h1>
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==='''<big>Testimonials:</big>'''===
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<div style=display:inline-table>
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{|
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|<big><big>"...the '''most concise, comprehensive, and visually appealing''' summary of Crown-Indigenous relations I've come across."</big> <br> ~ Environment and Climate Change Canada </big>
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|[[File:Accelerator gcwiki graphics - checklist.png|frameless|100x100px]]
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===<big>Off-the-Shelf Information and Resources</big>===
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*Please select a theme from the following list to learn more about it
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{|
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|<big><big>"Love the expertise you provided, with '''customized support''' to make this work easier."</big> <br> ~ Employment and Social Development Canada </big>
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| style="border-left: 10px solid #627dd0; border-right: 10px solid #627dd0; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 15px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); color: black; background-color: white; font-size:1.0em;"|
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{|
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|<big><big>"...impressed by the '''efficiency, organization, and professionalism'''."</big> <br> ~ Environment and Climate Change Canada </big><br>
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{|
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|<big><big>"This is '''very''' good work, especially given how little you've been given to work with."</big> <br> ~ Department of National Defence </big>
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| style="border-left: 10px solid #3b305A; border-right: 10px solid #3b305A; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 15px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); color: black; background-color: white; font-size:1.0em;"|
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{|
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|<big><big>"There are a few [exercises] that have stood out over the course of my career, and this is '''one of the high flyers'''."</big> <br> ~ Employment and Social Development Canada </big>
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</div><div style=display:inline-table>
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| style="border-left: 10px solid #FBE190; border-right: 10px solid #FBE190; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 15px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); color: black; background-color: white; font-size:1.0em;"|
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|<big><big>"...the most '''organized, helpful, and engaged''' capacity-building partners we've ever had"</big> <br> ~ Policy Community Partnership Office & Privy Council Office </big>
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|<big><big>"...a '''strong proposal''' in such '''short time'''."</big> <br> ~ Privy Council Office </big>
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==<div id="FAQ">'''<big><big>FAQ</big></big>'''==
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'''<big>How many projects does Surge normally take on?</big>'''
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<big>Typically, 2-4 projects at any given time, with staggered start and end dates.</big>
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'''<big>What is the average duration of a project? How many analysts work on a project?</big>'''
 +
 
 +
<big>Projects usually last from 2 to 8 months. A project team will typically include 3-5 analysts. We do not 'loan out' analysts to departments; instead, we partner on the work as a team. In doing so, people and skills on the project can be managed with flexibility as the work progresses.</big>
 +
 
 +
'''<big>How does the cost sharing approach to projects work?</big>'''
 +
 
 +
<big>CSPS and the partner department sign an MOU outlining costs, roles, timelines and deliverables. Costs are based on analysts' hourly wages and any additional O&M costs, if applicable (e.g., costs to hire an external speaker).</big>
 +
 
 +
<big>All partner projects are cost-shared; CSPS takes on a certain portion of the project costs (based on discussions and agreement with partners). Funds are collected through an Interdepartmental Settlement, typically from partners' O&M budgets.</big>
 +
 
 +
<big>'''How long does the MOU take to put in place?'''<br />We can normally draft and share an MOU quickly (1-2 weeks), after scope, timelines, and deliverables have been discussed and agreed upon.</big>
 +
 
 +
==<div id="Contact">'''<big><big>Contact Us</big></big>'''==
 +
<big><big>If you are interested in working with us or want to learn more about what we do, reach out to us at [mailto:surgeteam-equipederenfort@csps-efpc.gc.ca surgeteam-equipederenfort@csps-efpc.gc.ca] or visit our [https://gcxgce.sharepoint.com/teams/1000611/ GCXchange site].</big></big>

Latest revision as of 13:52, 21 November 2024

How We Can Help How We Work Past Projects & Partners FAQ Contact Us



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The Surge Team

Established at the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) in 2018, the Priority Initiatives - or Surge - Team supports policy projects where quick action or breakthroughs are needed. We do not have ongoing files. Instead, we collaborate on time-limited projects with partners at the CSPS and across the federal public service.

In our work, we emphasize clear problem definition and rigorous analysis. We also provide a challenge function to help our partners identify desired outcomes and outputs. On horizontal files, we have acted as a neutral third party to help find common ground and build bridges within and across organizations.

Our policy professionals have a range of experiences and skills that help us deliver on partners' needs. We specialize in facilitated sessions, presentations, policy briefs, and synthesis products, and have experience developing reports and decision documents.

To learn more about us and our work, please reach out to surgeteam-equipederenfort@csps-efpc.gc.ca or visit our GCXchange Site for more details. This site also contains resources and reflections from past projects.

How We Can Help

We meet our partners where they're at - whether it's collaborating on a project from day one or helping push a file over the finish line.


Problem Definition

Ensuring everyone has a common understanding of the issue supported by brainstorming, consultation, and research

9-12 purple question mark.png 1-3 yellow tools3.png Options Development

Collaboratively identifying a range of workable solutions that are grounded in evidence, critical analysis, and creativity

Next Steps & Reflections

Offering support to put ideas into effect, and capturing lessons learned to apply to future work

6-9 brain.png 4-6 speech bubble.png Engagement & Briefing

Validating possible solutions by engaging with stakeholders, and generating products that tell a compelling story


We offer a range of policy services to meet our partners' needs, including:

2.1book2.svg Research & Analysis Problem diagnosis, framing and definition; Environmental scans; Data collection, analysis, and synthesis; Conducting interviews and focus groups
2.2hand.svg Challenge Function Soundboard for ideas; Providing strategic advice; Helping teams think through complex files and find clarity on how to manage the work (e.g., how to navigate through the system/process)
2.3handshake.svg Building Capacity Team learning through projects; Lessons Learned facilitation; Skills-oriented workshops
2.4talk.svg Engagement & Facilitation Convening groups to tackle shared files and common problems; Designing engagement strategies; Planning and hosting engagement sessions; Strengthening horizontal collaboration; Driving groups towards agreement on next steps
2.5present.svg Synthesis & Briefing Decks; Placemats; Dashboards; Policy reports; What We Heard reports; Supporting the drafting of key policy and decision documents (e.g., Memorandum to Cabinet, medium-term planning, performance measurement frameworks)

How We Work

Our approach is most effective with engaged and collaborative partners: we use regular touchpoints throughout the project to build on your expertise and respond to your needs.


01 arrow right3.png
02 double arrow.png
03 double arrow.png
04 bullseye.png
Discuss Design a Plan Develop and Deliver Conclude
- Explain our service model
- Learn about your needs
- Discuss objectives, scope, and timelines 		- Discuss specific deliverables and identify key stakeholders
- Determine roles and responsibilities
- Agree on project scope and schedule through a
- Draft a Memorandum of Understanding 		- Evaluate progress and incorporate feedback
- Revise deliverables, scope, and timelines as needed to meet objectives 		- Close out deliverables
- Discuss project transition period
- Share lessons learned to promote continuous learning


As a team, we work in a series of short sprints and deep dives to improve the quality of products. Our work is iterative and collaborative: we redefine problem statements and generate more research as we move forward, adjusting course as needed. Consulting with stakeholders is a critical part of how we do our work.

Approaching work.png


Past Projects & Partners

Since December 2018, we have worked with several organizations to deliver over 50 projects with more than 150 individual deliverables. You can find details on these projects, as well as lessons we've learned along the way, on our GCXchange site.

Our projects touch on many policy areas, including public administration and machinery of government, social policy, Indigenous relations, national security, and innovation, among others.

Examples of Projects

3.4table.svg
 Modern Public Engagement: Facilitated Discussions and Engagement Framework Development

Partnership with Transport Canada

- Curated tools and resources relevant to public engagement that will support Transport Canada's Transformation Plan

- Developed a public engagement framework in prototype format that articulates 5 broad phases of engagement and explores best practices

3.5plume.svg
 Memorandum to Cabinet Process

Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada

- Conducted Research and analysis to support pre-drafting process (how to tell a good story through an MC)

- Offered strategic advice and Surge capacity for coordinating a horizontal MC

- Curated tools and resources to support drafting process

3.6flow.svg
 Renewed Horizontal Performance Measurement Framework

Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada

- Engaged 12 federal organizations to identify practices for more consistent and meaningful performance measurement

- Took stock of data and briefing materials to support the adoption of a new logic model

- Developed practices for viable disaggregated data collection and reporting

3.2bubble.svg
 Behavioural Insights Blended Services Pilot: Facilitated Workshop Learning

Partnership with the Policy Community Partnership Office, Privy Council Office, and Behavioural Insights Team

- Applied a team-based learning-by-doing approach to teach public servants about Behavioral Insights and make concrete progress on real problems

- Combined expert-led training and one-on-one support to develop BI-based interventions for real world challenges

3.3book.svg
 Reconciliation Primer: Policy Brief and Learning Tool

Partnership with Health Canada

- Drafted a learning resource for public servants on the principles, history, and policy of reconciliation and the role of the public service

- Engaged with Indigenous public servants and policy experts across the public service

- Content contributed to the app Reconciliation: A Starting Point

3.1calendar.svg
 Online Transition Planner and Checklist: A Tool to Support Government Transition

Partnership with the Privy Council Office

- Centralized a checklist of tasks to be completed for all incoming and outgoing Ministers, staff, and offices

- Deployed a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tool across the GC

- Provided an enterprise-wide view of transition activities for the Privy Council Office


Testimonials:

"...the most concise, comprehensive, and visually appealing summary of Crown-Indigenous relations I've come across."
~ Environment and Climate Change Canada
"Love the expertise you provided, with customized support to make this work easier."
~ Employment and Social Development Canada
"...impressed by the efficiency, organization, and professionalism."
~ Environment and Climate Change Canada
"This is very good work, especially given how little you've been given to work with."
~ Department of National Defence
"There are a few [exercises] that have stood out over the course of my career, and this is one of the high flyers."
~ Employment and Social Development Canada
"...the most organized, helpful, and engaged capacity-building partners we've ever had"
~ Policy Community Partnership Office & Privy Council Office
"...a strong proposal in such short time."
~ Privy Council Office

FAQ

How many projects does Surge normally take on?

Typically, 2-4 projects at any given time, with staggered start and end dates.

What is the average duration of a project? How many analysts work on a project?

Projects usually last from 2 to 8 months. A project team will typically include 3-5 analysts. We do not 'loan out' analysts to departments; instead, we partner on the work as a team. In doing so, people and skills on the project can be managed with flexibility as the work progresses.

How does the cost sharing approach to projects work?

CSPS and the partner department sign an MOU outlining costs, roles, timelines and deliverables. Costs are based on analysts' hourly wages and any additional O&M costs, if applicable (e.g., costs to hire an external speaker).

All partner projects are cost-shared; CSPS takes on a certain portion of the project costs (based on discussions and agreement with partners). Funds are collected through an Interdepartmental Settlement, typically from partners' O&M budgets.

How long does the MOU take to put in place?
We can normally draft and share an MOU quickly (1-2 weeks), after scope, timelines, and deliverables have been discussed and agreed upon.

Contact Us

If you are interested in working with us or want to learn more about what we do, reach out to us at surgeteam-equipederenfort@csps-efpc.gc.ca or visit our GCXchange site.

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