2008 Community Door Training & Awareness Workshop

Online Resources Initiative Overview

During this session we will give you:1. a history lesson – the history of the Strengthening NGOs strategy

2. an update of the service area – where Online Resources sits within the

department

3. a crystal ball look at the future– what the future of the website is.

Session

BackgroundQueensland’s non-government organisations play a critical role in providing vital community services.

In June 2004, the Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, Warren Pitt MP requested Kerry Shine MP, to lead a research project.

The key objective was to identify practical initiatives, which would operationally support non-government organisations funded by the portfolio.

Ideal vision for Community Service is where..

• clients’ needs are met holistically, efficiency and effectively• clients can enter the service system through a number of channels

and are assured that the service they get will be consistent and one of quality

• the sector is supported in their work and encouraged to develop

• interaction required with government and other service providers to enable effective service delivery, is efficiently supported by the use of information and communication technology where appropriate

• funded organisations are responsive, capable and sustainable.

Barriers to this vision include:

• Complexity of relationships across levels of government, and across the sector

• Contemporary financial pressures• Workforce development and volunteering

pressures• Stronger corporate governance• Heightening emphasis on accountability• Increase complex client need.

• the growing expectation for all funded NGOs to be accountable

• NGOs having access to accurate information about their obligations

• a desire to increase NGOs staff knowledge and skills in order to deliver quality community and disability services

• the need to access a range of guidelines, tools and resources regarding common practice

• sourcing culturally appropriate content• accessing a user friendly environment that provides

timely innovative solutions.

‘Identified complex need’ is defined as:

In November 2005 the Strengthening Non-Government Organisations Report was tabled and provided an holistic approach to the development of the sector offering initiatives in the legislative, business, human resource, financial, client service, social, and collaborative environments.

The report offered a set of 68 recommendations.

Strengthening NGOs project report

Recommendations in 5 key areas • clarifying roles and responsibilities of government

and our community partners, non-government organisations

• strengthening the business relationship between the departments and funded services

• developing service standards and a quality framework

• supporting sector development, innovation and viability

• managing the department’s portfolio assets.

• Strengthening NGOs strategy was formed in 2005, to deliver a range of collaborative initiatives between Queensland Government and the community and disability sectors.

• Main focus is on – building the capacity of government funded NGOs

and – providing practical support for the vital work they do

in Queensland communities.

Range of Initiatives include• Strengthening Indigenous Non-Government Organisations

generally known as SINGOs, provides practical support to community organisations managed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

• Community Bookkeeper relates to the implementation of a Standard Chart of Accounts for NGOs

• Workforce Development focus is on attracting, developing and retaining a skilled community and disability services workforce including the implementation of the highly successful Minister’s Awards for Excellence event.

Initiatives con’t….• Community Services Act 2007

Queensland Parliament passed the Community Services Act 2007 on 23 August 2007

• Building Links provides one-off grants to assist in the development of partnerships that help NGOs integrate services, or establish arrangements that increase their sustainability.

• Strengthening Rural Non-Government Organisationsto support collaboration, strengthen relationships and build capacity of NGOs serving rural communities and to revitalise the rural image across Queensland.

• will develop and deliver an easily accessible website where community and disability organisations can obtain accurate information, tools and resources to support efficient processes and practices in day-to-day operations of their service.

Online Tools and Resources Initiative

Why use the internet?Australian usage of the internet has increased by more than 134% since 2000. Australia currently has over 15 million internet users.There have been significant improvements in accessibility.

The internet allows NGOs across this vast State of Queensland, to:• access information concurrently • build their capacity• support efficient processes and practices • foster better relationships across the sector • bring the information age to community services across the State.

• administration of the website• content management • planning transition of site• technical management• planning and analysis• managing development of further tools and resources, etc.

A number of the other strategy initiatives are dependent on the website for publishing information, interactive tools and

resources.

Online Resources Responsibilities

Initial Website…QCOOR• In August 2005, an initial website entitled

Queensland Community Organisations’ Online Resources (QCOOR) was launched.

• It was designed as a temporary trial site.

• Feedback received from the sector identified major issues with the – name, QCOOR did not engage the sector– bureaucratic look and feel– lack of useful tools and resources

Community Door website

• To better meet the sector needs QCOOR was reviewed and relaunched as the Community Door on 8 December 2006

• Access is available to the general public with some tools accessible only via registration and secure login.

• provides tailored content information, tools and resources to support the day-to-day operations of NGOs

• is easily accessible to all portfolio funded NGOs• meets the needs of emerging culturally and

linguistically diverse communities• meets the needs of Indigenous service provision• provides innovative solutions within a user friendly

environment.

Today the website

• The website provides NGOs with access to resources, tools and information to assist with managing issues associated with:

– Quality Systems (Service Standards)

– Management (Governance, Human Resource Management, Finance, IT, Legal, Risk)

– Funding (How to apply and where to source funding)

– Reporting (Audits, compliance, service agreements)

– Networking (Links, Collaborative practices)

– Careers (Training)

More details on Content in Session 3

Community Door content

Any questions?