Strategic Service Review for Harrison Community Services

Ursula and Lindy recently worked with Harrison Community Services to undertake a strategic review of their Disability Day Services. The review was conducted in response to and in preparation for the Individualised Brokerage Model of Funding which was introduced by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in 2008. The review process provided Harrison with an evidence based exploration of the potential alternatives, possibilities, opportunities and a range of options related to the future provision of day disability programs to its current service users.

As a result of the in-depth process of research over a three month period of key stakeholder and sector consultation and analysis, three potential roles for Harrison to consider were developed along with a suite of four associated options for possible future service models. 
The three roles developed for consideration were:

Provider: A role in the delivery of services and programs that meet Harrison Community Services Mission and Strategic Directions,  Strategic Priorities and Community expectations, where appropriate.

Advocate: Harrison in a key role to identify and advocate for the needs of the current clients who attend the service and in a general advocacy role within the broader community on the rights of people with a disability, as appropriate.

Facilitator: A key role in the implementation of the outcomes of this strategic review and in coordinating information, communication, organizational re/development, change processes and building partnerships, as appropriate and as required.

From a Collective Possibilities perspective we were particularly pleased with the clients level of satisfaction with the depth of the research and analysis, the innovative yet balanced recommendations for future roles and service models and the key stakeholder and steering group feedback that they were informed, consulted, listened to and respected throughout the process.

Congratulations to one of our valued clients – Shire of Yarra Ranges

Collective Possibilities is delighted to congratulate the Shire of Yarra Ranges on its recent success in the Excellence in Local Government Corporate and Community Planning Award program. The shire won the top award for its Cultural Roadshow – An Innovative Approach to Integrated Community and Council Planning. The project was led by Dion Teasdale, Alison Cran and Greg Box, using evocative slogans to attract community response such as:
 
“Art is a waste of money.”
“Culture doesn’t pay the bills.”
“Heritage is so yesterday.”           So… What’s your opinion?
 
The project included a touring Cultural Roadshow - a four-week, multi-venue program of free arts and heritage activities (including interactive games, exhibits, video and sound installations, workshops and classes). Collective Possibilities' very own Ursula Corvan was part of the Cultural Roadshow –  designing and facilitating the Community Forums / Workshops held at each of the road shows.
 
The team demonstrated excellence in integrated council and community planning and created a fresh, interesting and innovative model of community consultation all of which lead to the development of its Cultural Policy and Action Plan (2008 – 2013).
 
Council worked in partnership with a local Community Reference Group, made up of 32 local arts and heritage experts, to design a creative and interactive community engagement program.
 
The project generated more than 1600 responses from the community. These responses were then used to create the Cultural Policy and Action Plan. 

IGNITE a leadership learning path for new supervisors, team leaders and coordinators in local government.

Now in its third year of delivery we are developing confident, competent and courageous new leaders for the local government sector. Through skills built in this innovative program, IGNITE graduates are contributing significantly to their teams, organisations and communities.

Collective Possibilities facilitates an ongoing and successful partnership with LGPro (Local Government Professionals) and Centre for Organisation Development to deliver this dynamic professional development initiative.

Participants attest to the programs impact.

"I was privileged to be part of the First LG Pro Ignite training course.The 5 day course encouraged some ‘me time’, as all too often, in our day to day duties; we don’t have time for such self assessment. Learning about one self and from this gaining a better understanding of others as well as organisations was presented by two fantastic facilitators; Mike Allen and Lindy Amos. The individual development and learning outcomes that I gained could be also attributed to the willing nature and high level of interaction practiced by all that were in my Ignite group. We all gave the Ignite course a go, sharing both personal and professional experiences, and got the full benefits the course had to deliver. I am sure that everyone who participates in the Ignite course without reservation and with enthusiasm will benefit greatly from the experience." Team Leader – Health Development, Knox City Council, LGPro Ignite – Series I, 2007


“I found the coaching a powerful way to explore ideas and problems with someone from outside my organisation with experience and empathy. My coach (Lindy) was both objective and supportive and this really helped me work out issues that had troubled me for some time.” Team Leader, Moreland City Council, LGPro Ignite – Series III, 2007

Bookings are now being taken for the 2010 program.

To make your booking and for further information contact Leanne Bickley at LGPro on 9686 3833.