Strategic Communications and Change Management services to Defence

January 2023 – October 2023

The challenge

The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) directs that Defence must change the way it manages strategic risk in response to the reshaping of the security environment. As a result, Defence is undergoing one of the most significant strategic and operational shifts to focus on military preparedness and accelerated capability development. 

The implementation of recommendations from the DSR required a service provider with agility and strategic planning and coordination capability; importantly the work needed to align to the Whole of Government and Defence relevant legislative and policy frameworks.

Proximity was engaged to provide strategic business advice, change management and strategic communications support.

Approach

Proximity provided a small core team to work on-site with the Defence Mobilisation and Preparedness Branch. Our team was selected specifically for their expertise in providing strategic business advice, industry expertise and strategic communications, complemented by their relevant experience in the Defence sector. 

Proximity is working closely with the Branch to advise on strategic communications and change management. We advised at a tactical level, working with the Branch to implement immediate changes to their operations and alignment across functions, through to a very strategic level which encompasses anticipated influences across government and with a forward planning trajectory of multiple years.

Value delivered

Proximity provided services in an array of specialist areas including, government approval processes, international military sales, governance structures, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication and change management, risk management, national security and interagency coordination.

Proximity’s services have injected direction and focus on the immediate Branch-level requirements to position the team for future growth as the implementation of higher levels of military preparedness and accelerated capability development progresses. Our team is further providing expertise to craft and align the strategic narrative on military preparedness across government.