On the weekend during one of the breaks it was noted that there isn't a career path for to becoming a UM.
This is true -I explained to the group that a) there is a PD for managers & the reality is that most (including myself) don't meet all of the criteria. b) that you don't need to be a top class rescuer to manage a Unit, but Leadership, Accounting, Emergency Management, HR skills & Resource Management skills would be required. That c) Some units like the way its currently done & that elections would open a can of worms. There was general agreement to this by members of the group who had never been involved with CFS, however those that had disagreed!
Those of you who have done the Brukunga Leadership course would know that Managers manage things, whereas Leaders lead people & are very transient in nature.
So I guess it depends on which side of the fence you sit on, for example we are currently looking for a new UM, the problem we have is that there is only one person in the unit that has put there hand up & even he admits that he isn't the best person for the job. However there are others within the area, who would excel in the position & have extensive Emergency Service experience (but not recently with SES)& others who have brilliant management skills.
If we had elections those individuals would not be considered!
And how would I choose? thankfully I won't have to
I agree that change sometimes is required & that democracy is important, however if every year its just a popularity contest or worse some one just gets the "guilt trip" put on them & they get voted in How are things going to change?
Maybe the local community should select & vote instead?
Anyway it seems the common thread is competence, leadership & experience & not deep pockets
cheers
