Program assurance review supports long term success

Strengthening Program Assurance and Governance for the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Grosvenor partnered with the Australian Government to deliver a series of assurance reviews of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program. This strengthened governance, risk management and reporting as the program transitioned from emergency response to business-as-usual operations. Furthermore, it established a structured assurance cycle to support ongoing performance monitoring, transparency and program integrity. In short, this process functioned as a comprehensive program assurance governance review for the program as it evolved.

Situation

National COVID-19 Vaccination Program Assurance Review

Grosvenor’s assurance reviews of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP) have been pivotal in supporting the Australian Government through its transition from emergency response to business-as-usual (BAU) operations. Each program assurance governance review helped align the approach to best practice and risk reduction.

Task

Over the course of two program health snapshots, Grosvenor evaluated key aspects of governance, risk management, and program effectiveness. As a result, they provided essential insights that have ensured the program’s continued success.

The first assurance snapshot, conducted in July 2023, focused on assessing the program’s readiness to transition certain elements to States and Territories. It identified opportunities to address risks and gaps. In addition, it offered recommendations to strengthen governance structures, improve risk reporting, and ensure more consistent documentation across workstreams. These findings laid the groundwork for the second snapshot. The second snapshot was performed in April 2024 and further solidified the overall program assurance governance review processes underpinning the operation.

Snapshot 2 shifted focus to the program’s operational workstreams: Vaccine Supply, Vaccine Access, and Program Logistics & Operations. By this point, significant improvements had been made, including the reformation of the NCVP Board and a strengthened Program Management Office (PMO). These changes enhanced transparency, integrity, and the overall effectiveness of decision-making. Meanwhile, they ensured active management of risks, milestones, and dependencies across all workstreams. The enhanced governance arrangements were evidenced by clear, consistent reporting mechanisms and a reliable assurance cycle. It is evident that a robust program assurance governance review ensures continuous alignment with strategic objectives.

Approach

To support the long-term success of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program, Grosvenor developed a comprehensive Assurance Cycle. This cycle was designed to proactively monitor and manage risks, track progress, and ensure consistent alignment with program objectives. By embedding assurance activities at every stage, the cycle provides a structured approach for ongoing evaluation. Therefore, it enables the program to adapt effectively to future challenges while maintaining transparency and governance integrity.

Result

Our work on the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program highlights Grosvenor’s exceptional capability in managing complex, cross-jurisdictional programs. Through robust assurance processes, ongoing performance monitoring, and detailed risk management frameworks, Grosvenor has provided the Australian Government with the confidence and transparency needed to adapt the NCVP to its evolving needs. These processes also ensure its long-term success. Ultimately, this model represents an exemplary program assurance governance review in the public health sector.

Want to know more about assurance in your programs or initiatives?
Contact our Governance and Assurance Expert – Charitee Davies