Building Safer Futures: The Role of Workforce Capability Frameworks in Addressing Family Violence in Aotearoa

In the pursuit of eliminating family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand, the development and implementation of comprehensive frameworks are pivotal. Te Puna Aonui has introduced two significant frameworks: the Specialist Family Violence Organisational Standards (SOS) and the Family Violence Entry to Expert Capability Framework (E2E). These frameworks are integral to Te Aorerekura—the National Strategy and Action Plan to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence—specifically supporting Shift 3: Towards skilled, culturally competent, and sustainable workforces .​

Understanding the Frameworks

1. Specialist Family Violence Organisational Standards (SOS):This framework outlines the essential standards organisations must meet to deliver specialist family violence services effectively. It emphasizes aligning organisational values, principles, and processes to support integrated, holistic, safe, and effective approaches. The SOS is underpinned by five principles: Kotahitanga (Relationships and Inclusion), Kaitiakitanga (Protection and Accountability), Mahi Tahi (Collaboration and Advocacy), Ora (Wellbeing and Restoration), and Koi Mahi (Innovation and Learning) 

2. Family Violence Entry to Expert Capability Framework (E2E):The E2E framework delineates the knowledge and skills required for individuals to respond effectively to family violence. It categorizes capabilities across four levels—Essential, Entry, Enhanced, and Expert—each building upon the previous. This structure ensures that workers, from generalist roles to specialist positions, are equipped to support individuals and whānau impacted by family violence .​

Importance for Agencies and Organisations

Implementing the SOS and E2E frameworks offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Service Delivery: By adhering to established standards and capabilities, organisations can provide consistent, safe, and effective services to those affected by family violence

• Cultural Competence: The frameworks incorporate te ao Māori perspectives and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, ensuring services are culturally responsive and inclusive.

• Workforce Development: Organisations can identify training needs, recognize prior learning, and plan professional development pathways, fostering a skilled and sustainable workforce.

• Collaborative Practice: Emphasizing collaboration and advocacy, the frameworks encourage partnerships across sectors, enhancing the collective response to family violence.​

  
  

Practical Tools for Implementation

To support the application of these frameworks, Te Puna Aonui provides several tools:

• Mapping Organisational Values, Principles, and Processes Tool (SOS): Assists organisations in aligning their practices with the SOS framework.​

• Broad Benchmarking of Roles Tool (E2E): Helps determine the appropriate capability levels for various roles within an organisation.​

• Planning and Tracking Completion Tool (E2E): Facilitates the monitoring of workforce development progress.​

• Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience Tool (E2E): Acknowledges existing skills and knowledge, informing training and development plans

• Mapping Training Tool (E2E): Supports the alignment of training programs with the E2E capabilities .

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ConclusionFor agencies and organisations operating in the family violence sector, embracing the SOS and E2E frameworks is a strategic move towards enhancing service quality, ensuring cultural competence, and fostering a capable workforce. These frameworks not only align with national strategies but also empower organisations to make meaningful contributions towards a violence-free Aotearoa

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