The challenge
When governance falters, communities feel the impact. OCM’s governance health check gave OneCrown and the NSW Government the clarity and confidence to safeguard financial sustainability, cultural integrity, and future burial capacity for the people of NSW.
The NSW Government’s independent review of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 recommended consolidating Crown cemetery operators to ensure long-term financial sustainability, increase burial space, and deliver culturally appropriate services.
OneCrown was created to lead this transition, but uncertainty around amalgamation left governance, risk management, and organisational readiness in question. The stakes were high: without decisive action, NSW risked shortages in burial capacity and diminished trust in a sector that serves families at their most vulnerable moments.
OCM was engaged to conduct a governance health check to answer critical questions:
- Were the governance, risk, compliance and financial frameworks and leadership fit for purpose?
- Is OneCrown ready for amalgamation?
- Can the organisation deliver on its promise to NSW communities?
How we helped
OCM applied the Department of Planning and Environment’s Governance Attributes Framework to assess maturity across 11 domains.
Reviewing governance structures, committee operations, and leadership capability.
Evaluating strategic planning, project management, and change readiness.
Assessing risk and compliance systems against ISO 31000:2018 and ISO 37301:2021.
Analysing workforce engagement, WHS governance, and cultural health.
Delivering actionable recommendations to strengthen governance and operational resilience.
Results that matter
We delivered more than governance; this was about protecting a service every community relies on. By strengthening OneCrown’s foundations, OCM helped the NSW Government safeguard dignity, choice, and cultural respect for generations to come.
Confidence: Provided a clear governance maturity rating (Maturing) and a roadmap to address gaps, enabling informed decisions on amalgamation and future investment.
Capability uplifted: Recommended CEO appointment and leadership realignment to reduce key person risk, supported establishment of a PMO, and strengthened project governance for better delivery.
Risk and compliance assured: Delivered a plan for a Risk Management Framework, Strategic Risk Register, and compliance systems aligned to ISO standards; critical for transparency and accountability.
Community trust: Reinforced WHS governance and cultural integrity, ensuring a safe, respectful, and sustainable cemetery services for NSW families.
Future ready: Positioned OneCrown to deliver on its strategic priorities; financial sustainability, cultural responsiveness, and operational efficiency, while maintaining public trust.
We help protect today and safeguard tomorrow. You shape the future.
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