Difference between revisions of "Surge Team"

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{| style="background-color:#3f2a56; width: 90%; color:white; float:left;"
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![[#Team|<big><div id="Team"><span style="color:#ffffff">Meet Surge</span></big>]]
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![[#Team|<big><div id="Team"><span style="color:#ffffff">The Surge Team</span></big>]]
  
 
!<big>[[#How We Can Help|<span style="color:#ffffff">How We Can Help</span>]]</big>
 
!<big>[[#How We Can Help|<span style="color:#ffffff">How We Can Help</span>]]</big>
 
!<big>[[#How We Work|<span style="color:#ffffff">How We Work</span>]]</big>
 
!<big>[[#How We Work|<span style="color:#ffffff">How We Work</span>]]</big>
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!<big>[[#Who We've Helped|<span style="color:#ffffff">Who We've Helped</span>]]</big>
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!<big>[[#Past Projects & Partners|<span style="color:#ffffff">Past Projects & Partners</span>]]</big>
 
!<big>[[#FAQ|<span style="color:#ffffff">FAQ</span>]]</big>
 
!<big>[[#FAQ|<span style="color:#ffffff">FAQ</span>]]</big>
 
!<big>[[#Contact|<span style="color:#ffffff">Contact Us</span>]]</big>
 
!<big>[[#Contact|<span style="color:#ffffff">Contact Us</span>]]</big>
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=='''<big><big><big>The Surge Team</big></big></big>'''==
 
=='''<big><big><big>The Surge Team</big></big></big>'''==
  
−
<big><big>Established at the Canada School of Public Service in late 2018, the 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 School and across the federal public service.</big>
+
<big><big>Established at the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) in 2018, the 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>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
<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 or across organizations.</big>  
+
<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>  
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
<big>Our team of policy professionals has a range of experiences and skills that help us deliver on partners' needs, including deliverables such as facilitated sessions, presentations, policy briefs, and decision documents.</big>
+
<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>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
<big>To learn more about us and our work, please reach out to surgesolutionsunit@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>
+
<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>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
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|-
 
|-
 
|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Next Steps & Reflections'''</big></big>
 
|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Next Steps & Reflections'''</big></big>
−
<big>Offering support to put ideas into effect, and capturing lessons learned to be applied to future work</big>
+
<big>Offering support to put ideas into effect, and capturing lessons learned to apply to future work</big>
 
|[[File:6-9_brain.png|frameless|upright=0.5]]
 
|[[File:6-9_brain.png|frameless|upright=0.5]]
 
|[[File:4-6_speech_bubble.png|frameless|upright=0.5]]
 
|[[File:4-6_speech_bubble.png|frameless|upright=0.5]]
 
|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Engagement & Briefing'''</big></big>
 
|style=min-width:250px; max-width:400px|<big><big>'''Engagement & Briefing'''</big></big>
−
<big>Validating possible solutions through engagement with stakeholders, and generating products that tell a compelling story</big>
+
<big>Validating possible solutions by engaging with stakeholders, and generating products that tell a compelling story</big>
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
<br clear="all">
 
<br clear="all">
  
−
<big><big>'''We offer a range of policy services''', from research and analysis to engagement and facilitated sessions to synthesis and briefing documents for decision-makers.</big></big>
+
<big><big>'''We offer a range of policy services''' to meet our partners' needs, including:</big></big> <br>
−
<br>
 
 
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{| width="70%" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="15px"
  
 
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| style="border-left: 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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==<div id="How We Work"><big><big>'''How We Work'''</big></big>  ==
 
==<div id="How We Work"><big><big>'''How We Work'''</big></big>  ==
  
−
<big><big>Our approach is '''most effective with engaged and collaborative partners''': we use regular touchpoints throughout the project to build off your expertise and respond to your needs.</big></big>
+
<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>
  
 
<br clear="all">
 
<br clear="all">
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{|width="90%" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="15px"
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style="width:400px"|[[File:01_arrow_right.png|frameless|center|upright=0.5]]
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|style="width:400px"|[[File:01_arrow_right3.png|frameless|center|upright=0.5]]
 
|style="width:400px"|[[File:02_double_arrow.png|frameless|center|upright=0.75]]
 
|style="width:400px"|[[File:02_double_arrow.png|frameless|center|upright=0.75]]
 
|style="width:400px"|[[File:03_double_arrow.png|frameless|center|upright=0.75]]
 
|style="width:400px"|[[File:03_double_arrow.png|frameless|center|upright=0.75]]
 
|style="width:400px"|[[File:04_bullseye.png|frameless|center|upright=0.3]]
 
|style="width:400px"|[[File:04_bullseye.png|frameless|center|upright=0.3]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style=text-align:center;background:#fcf1d7|<big><big>'''Discuss'''</big></big>
+
|style=text-align:center;background:#FBE190|<big><big>'''Discuss'''</big></big>
 
|style=text-align:center;background:#9ad4d6|<big><big>'''Design a Plan'''</big></big>
 
|style=text-align:center;background:#9ad4d6|<big><big>'''Design a Plan'''</big></big>
 
|style=text-align:center;background:#4e3f78;color:#FFFFFF|<big><big>'''Develop and Deliver'''</big></big>
 
|style=text-align:center;background:#4e3f78;color:#FFFFFF|<big><big>'''Develop and Deliver'''</big></big>
 
|style=text-align:center;background:#627dd0;color:#FFFFFF|<big><big>'''Conclude'''</big></big>
 
|style=text-align:center;background:#627dd0;color:#FFFFFF|<big><big>'''Conclude'''</big></big>
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style=text-align:left;background:#fefaf0|<big>- '''Explain''' our service model <br>- '''Learn''' about your needs <br>- '''Discuss''' objectives, scope, and timelines <br>- '''Develop a proposal'''</big>
+
|style=text-align:left;background:#FDF0C7|<big>- '''Explain''' our service model <br>- '''Learn''' about your needs <br>- '''Discuss''' objectives, scope, and timelines</big>  
−
|style=text-align:left;background:#cdeaeb|<big>- '''Discuss''' specific deliverables and identify key stakeholders <br>- '''Determine''' roles and responsibilities <br>- '''Agree''' on timelines <br>- '''Draft a Memorandum of Understanding'''</big>
+
|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>
−
|style=text-align:left;background:#ccc5e1|<big>- '''Evaluate''' progress and incorporate feedback into product(s) <br>- '''Revise''' deliverables, scope, and timelines as needed to meet objectives</big>
+
|style=text-align:left;background:#ccc5e1|<big>- '''Evaluate''' progress and incorporate feedback <br>- '''Revise''' deliverables, scope, and timelines as needed to meet objectives</big>
 
|style=text-align:left;background:#d2daf2|<big>- '''Close out''' deliverables <br>- '''Discuss''' project transition period <br>- '''Share lessons learned''' to promote continuous learning</big>
 
|style=text-align:left;background:#d2daf2|<big>- '''Close out''' deliverables <br>- '''Discuss''' project transition period <br>- '''Share lessons learned''' to promote continuous learning</big>
 
|}
 
|}
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
−
<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''', learning equally from failures and successes. Consulting with stakeholders is a critical part of how we do our work. '''Our projects are often non-linear''', redefining problem statements and generating more research as we move forward and change course as needed.</big></big>
+
<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>
 
[[File:Approaching work.png|center|frameless|upright=3]]
 
[[File:Approaching work.png|center|frameless|upright=3]]
 
<br clear="all">
 
<br clear="all">
  
−
=='''<big>Who We've Helped</big>'''==
+
=='''<big>Past Projects & Partners</big>'''==
−
<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 from them, on our [https://gcxgce.sharepoint.com/teams/1000611 GCXchange site].</big></big>  
+
<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>  
−
 
 
−
<big><big>Our projects touch on many policy areas, including public administration and machinery of government, Indigenous relations, national security, social policy, and innovation, among others. </big></big>
 
−
 
 
−
[[File:SurgeServicesByDeliverable2.png|center|frame|Center|The Surge Team contributes to learning, innovation and policy priorities across the Government of Canada. Our partners' desired outcome dictates the deliverable(s) we work towards.]]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
  
 +
<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>
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
−
==='''<big>Examples of Projects:</big>'''===
+
==='''<big>Examples of Projects</big>'''===
−
<br>
 
 
{|
 
{|
 
{| width="80%" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="15px"
 
{| width="80%" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="15px"
−
|style=background:#358083|[[File:3.1calendar.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
+
|style=background:#358083|[[File:3.4table.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
−
|style=background:#cdeaeb|<big>'''Online Transition Planner and Checklist: A tool to support Government transition</big>'''
+
|style=background:#cdeaeb|'''<big>Modern Public Engagement: Facilitated Discussions and Engagement Framework Development</big>'''
−
''<big>Partnership with the Privy Council Office</big>''
+
''<big>Partnership with Transport Canada</big>''
  
−
Centralized a checklist of tasks to be completed for all incoming and outgoing Ministers, staff, and offices
+
- Curated tools and resources relevant to public engagement that will support Transport Canada's Transformation Plan
  
−
Deployed a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tool across the GC
+
- Developed a public engagement framework in prototype format that articulates 5 broad phases of engagement and explores best practices
  
−
Provided an enterprise-wide view of transition activities for the Privy Council Office
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style=background:#627DD0|[[File:3.2bubble.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
+
|style=background:#627DD0|[[File:3.5plume.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
−
|style=background:#d2daf2|'''<big>Behavioural Insights Blended Services Pilot: Facilitated Workshop Learning</big>'''
+
|style=background:#d2daf2|'''<big>Memorandum to Cabinet Process</big>'''
  
−
''<big>Partnership with the Policy Community Partnerships Office, Privy Council Office, and Behavioural Insights Team</big>''
+
''<big>Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada</big>''
  
−
Applied a team-based learning-by-doing approach to teach public servants about Behavioral Insights and make concrete progress on real problems
+
- 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
  
−
Combined expert-led training and one-on-one support to develop BI-based interventions for real world challenges
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style=background:#4e3f78|[[File:3.3book.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
+
|style=background:#4e3f78|[[File:3.6flow.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
−
|style=background:#ccc5e1|'''<big>Reconciliation Primer: Policy Brief and Learning Tool</big>'''
+
|style=background:#ccc5e1|'''<big>Renewed Horizontal Performance Measurement Framework</big>'''
−
''<big>Partnership with Health Canada</big>''
+
''<big>Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada</big>''
 +
 
 +
- Engaged 12 federal organizations to identify practices for more consistent and meaningful performance measurement
  
−
Primer for public servants on the need for reconciliation and the role they can play
+
- Took stock of data and briefing materials to support the adoption of a new logic model
  
−
Developed in consultation with Indigenous public servants and policy experts
+
- Developed practices for viable disaggregated data collection and reporting
  
−
Content contributed to the app [https://www.csps-efpc.gc.ca/tools/apps/ils/index-eng.aspx Reconciliation: A Starting Point]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style=background:#358083|[[File:3.4table.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
+
|style=background:#358083|[[File:3.2bubble.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
−
|style=background:#cdeaeb|'''<big>Modern Public Engagement: Facilitated Discussions and Engagement Framework Development</big>'''
+
|style=background:#cdeaeb|'''<big>Behavioural Insights Blended Services Pilot: Facilitated Workshop Learning</big>'''
−
''<big>Partnership with Transport Canada</big>''
+
''<big>Partnership with the Policy Community Partnership Office, Privy Council Office, and Behavioural Insights Team</big>''
 +
 
 +
- Applied a team-based learning-by-doing approach to teach public servants about Behavioral Insights and make concrete progress on real problems
  
−
Curation of tools and resources relevant to public engagement that will support TC's Transformation Plan
+
- Combined expert-led training and one-on-one support to develop BI-based interventions for real world challenges
  
−
Provides a public engagement framework in prototype format that articulates 5 broad phases of engagement and explores best practices
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style=background:#627DD0|[[File:3.5plume.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
+
|style=background:#627DD0|[[File:3.3book.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
−
|style=background:#d2daf2|'''<big>Memorandum to Cabinet Process</big>'''
+
|style=background:#d2daf2|'''<big>Reconciliation Primer: Policy Brief and Learning Tool</big>'''
 +
''<big>Partnership with Health Canada</big>''
  
−
''<big>Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada</big>''
+
- Drafted a learning resource for public servants on the principles, history, and policy of reconciliation and the role of the public service
  
−
Research and Analysis to support pre-drafting process (how to tell a good story through an MC)
+
- Engaged with Indigenous public servants and policy experts across the public service
  
−
Strategic advice and Surge capacity for coordinating a horizontal MC
+
- Content contributed to the app [https://www.csps-efpc.gc.ca/tools/apps/ils/index-eng.aspx Reconciliation: A Starting Point]
  
−
Curated tools and resources to support drafting process
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|style=background:#4e3f78|[[File:3.6flow.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
+
|style=background:#4e3f78|[[File:3.1calendar.svg|center|frameless|upright=0.5]]
−
|style=background:#ccc5e1|'''<big>Renewed Horizontal Performance Measurement Framework</big>'''
+
|style=background:#ccc5e1|<big>'''Online Transition Planner and Checklist: A Tool to Support Government Transition'''</big>
−
''<big>Partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada</big>''
+
''<big>Partnership with the Privy Council Office</big>''
 +
 
 +
- Centralized a checklist of tasks to be completed for all incoming and outgoing Ministers, staff, and offices
  
−
Engagement of 12 federal organizations to identify practices for more consistent and meaningful performance measurement
+
- Deployed a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tool across the GC
  
−
Stock-take of data and briefing materials to support the adoption of a new logic model
+
- Provided an enterprise-wide view of transition activities for the Privy Council Office
  
−
Development of practices for viable disaggregated data collection and reporting
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
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| style="border-left: 10px solid #fcf1d7; border-right: 10px solid #fcf1d7; 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 Officem </big>
+
|<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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{|style=width:30em; height:30em; cellpadding="15" cellspacing="15px"
 
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|- valign="middle"
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| style="border-left: 10px solid #fcf1d7; border-right: 10px solid #fcf1d7; 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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| 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;"|
 
{|
 
{|
−
|<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>
+
|<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>How many projects does Surge normally take on?</big>'''
 
'''<big>How many projects does Surge normally take on?</big>'''
 
   
 
   
−
<big>Typically, 2-4 projects at any given time, with start and end-dates staggered.</big>  
+
<big>Typically, 2-4 projects at any given time, with staggered start and end dates.</big>  
  
 
'''<big>What is the average duration of a project? How many analysts work on a project?</big>'''
 
'''<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, unlike the Free Agent Program.</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>How does the cost sharing approach to projects work?</big>'''
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<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>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>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>
 
<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>'''==
 
==<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 surgesolutionsunit@csps-efpc.gc.ca or visit our [https://gcxgce.sharepoint.com/teams/1000611/ GCXchange site].</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:surgesolutionsunit@csps-efpc.gc.ca surgesolutionsunit@csps-efpc.gc.ca] or visit our [https://gcxgce.sharepoint.com/teams/1000611/ GCXchange site].</big></big>

Latest revision as of 15:26, 19 February 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 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.


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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.

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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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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 surgesolutionsunit@csps-efpc.gc.ca or visit our GCXchange site.

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