What is circuit breaking?

Circuit breaking is a solution-oriented multi-perspective approach to intractable problem solving, which deliberately links solutions from the frontline with the decision makers at the centre.

Circuit breaking may take many different forms, but these elements should remain constant:

• Addresses a frontline service delivery problem
• Connects the frontline to the centre
• Based on a multi-perspective team
• Empowers the frontline
• Uses innovative approaches
• Focuses on developing innovative solutions
• Operates within condensed timeframes

Addresses a frontline service delivery problem

A circuit breaking team is focused on a long-standing problem, related to service integration, experienced by the community at the point of service delivery. The problem is one where previous single agency solutions have not worked but is capable of tangible improvement. The whole focus of the team is to remove barriers, and to get a solution.

Connects the frontline to the centre

The circuit breaking team is supported directly by an executive reference group of key decision makers, acting as a collective. This ensures the centre connects with and supports the frontline approach, allowing the team to have input into the decision-making process. The sponsorship and support of the executive group is essential to the circuit breaking approach.

Based on a multi-perspective team

A team of frontline staff, which brings different perspectives to the problem, is led by a full-time team leader. Having a team established across traditional boundaries requires a change in attitudes and behaviours from all concerned. It encourages team members to experiment with different ways of working, and to identify barriers in the system which prevent integrated service delivery.

Empowers the frontline

Frontline staff are entrusted to analyse the problem and generate a solution, ensuring that those most familiar with the problem are closely involved. The frontline has the mandate to explore what must change to enable the delivery to be better - they discover they own the problem and can create and own the answer.

Uses innovative approaches

As the problems being addressed tend to be the most intractable, prior effort will have been put into them using traditional means. They will therefore only be solved by the application of innovative approaches. Circuit breaking uses the opportunity to work in different ways and learn from the approach - allowing the team to "suspend the rules".

Focuses on developing innovative solutions

Each circuit breaking team aims to bring an innovative approach to the resolution of an issue that has been a consistent source of concern for communities receiving the service. Circuit breaking focuses on the outcome and defines success in terms of an actual improvement in service delivery.

Operates within condensed timeframes

The circuit breaking team is tasked to define the problem and identify solutions in a three-month period. This condensed timeframe for action provides a sense of urgency, maintains momentum, and forces a solution to be generated within a short period of time.