Continuing to recruit, develop and retain skilled staff. The Department has a culture that reflects the demands of the job, the roots of the Department and the commitment of the staff. Staff are committed to conservation, often going the extra distance because of their belief in the mission. This commitment needs to be enhanced to ensure it is applied as effectively as possible to achieve quality results. It also needs to be leavened with an openness to the communities the Department works in, otherwise it can be seen as an arrogant 'the Department knows best' attitude.
Staff are self-reliant and independent.
They have had to be to deal with changing circumstances, particularly working on their own or in small groups in the field. Often they have made do, doing the best they could with the resources available. There is a need to be more systematic, to be clear about the appropriate quality standard and process, and to match it. The existing culture of commitment to conservation can be strengthened by encompassing the following principles. We will accept accountability for our work and work to the agreed plan.