Consultation Update: SAAS – OP&R Leadership Structure

On 2 September 2025, SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) responded to the Public Service Association (PSA) June 2025 consultation on the future of the Operational Planning & Resourcing (OP&R) leadership model.

SAAS Key Feedback & Findings:

    • Consensus that the OP&R Manager role does not need to remain at Operations Manager level.

    • Role description requires strong operational and technical understanding.

    • Rostering complexity has grown significantly since COVID-19 and the Operational Growth Program.

    • The current non-clinical OP&R Manager model (in place since 2021) has overseen major roster reforms, +350 FTE, and improved crew resourcing.

SAAS Response:

    • OP&R Manager: Technical rostering skills not a core duty, but strong technical knowledge is required for contract oversight and system improvement. Role to remain classified at ASO7. Full-time hours supported in principle but not currently funded. Job-share arrangement rejected.

    • OP&R Team Leader: Must have strong technical expertise. Workload concerns acknowledged; SAAS will expand to a 7-day model.

    • Funding Priorities: With limited funding, SAAS will prioritise 7-day Team Leader coverage over increasing the Manager role to full-time.

SAAS will retain the OP&R Manager at ASO7 and transition the Team Leader role to full 7-day coverage in two stages.

    • Phase 1 (immediate): Appoint a second fixed-term Mon–Fri Team Leader (via EOI). Adjust shifts for broader coverage under award conditions.

    • Phase 2 (post-Enterprise Agreement): Move to a permanent 2.0 FTE, 7-day Team Leader model, likely on a 4-on/4-off roster. One role filled by current Team Leader, second advertised on merit.