Innovative Communication Solutions for Healing Our Mob

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Using ISBAR to Strengthen Aboriginal Corporations

What is ISBAR?

ISBAR stands for Identification, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
It is a structured communication tool first developed in the military, later adapted into healthcare, and now recognised worldwide as a best‑practice framework for clear, safe, and effective communication.

Why Aboriginal Corporations Need ISBAR

Many Aboriginal Corporations face challenges such as:

• Poor staff performance not being addressed early
• Confusion in reporting lines and responsibilities
• Miscommunication between boards, managers, and community members
• Lack of accountability when problems are raised

A formal communication strategy like ISBAR provides a common language for discussing issues. It ensures that concerns are raised clearly, respectfully, and with enough detail for boards and managers to act.

Breaking Down ISBAR

• Identification (I): Who is involved? Name the staff member, program, or issue.
• Situation (S): What is happening right now? Describe the poor performance or concern.
• Background (B): What history or context is relevant? Past warnings, training provided, or community feedback.
• Assessment (A): What is your view of the problem? Is it affecting finances, staff morale, or community trust?
• Recommendation (R): What action do you suggest? Training, mentoring, disciplinary steps, or a board review.

This structure avoids vague complaints and turns them into actionable governance conversations.

Benefits of ISBAR in Governance

• Clarity: Directors and managers hear the same structured message, reducing misunderstandings.
• Accountability: Issues are documented in a consistent way, making follow‑up easier.
• Confidence: Indigenous Directors, especially those with English as a second language, gain a simple framework to raise concerns.
• Cultural Safety: ISBAR can be paired with visual cues (traffic lights, smiley faces, symbols) to make communication more accessible and culturally resonant.
• Performance Improvement: Poor performance is addressed early, fairly, and transparently, strengthening both compliance and community trust.

Healing Our Mob Through Better Communication

Strong governance is not just about rules—it’s about respectful, clear communication. By adopting ISBAR, Aboriginal Corporations can move from reactive problem‑solving to proactive leadership. This builds healthier organisations, stronger accountability, and ultimately, better outcomes for our mob.

✨ This article is ready to be published on Healingourmob. It positions ISBAR as a culturally adaptable governance tool, not just a clinical framework, and shows its direct relevance to tackling poor performance in Aboriginal Corporations.

Would you like me to also design a visual infographic version (e.g., ISBAR steps with traffic lights or smiley faces) so boards can use it in workshops and printed materials?