Staff who had not previously had access to ‘on the job learning’ or formal qualifications cried tears of joy at their graduation ceremonies – part of the Department of Families and Communities (DFC) new program to establish a learning culture across the organization - a program which has been shortlisted in the prestigious NATIONAL ACCOLADES FOR EXCELLENCE – the awards program for the nationally focused Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council.
“Traditionally, our services have been characterised by high casual employment (particularly in disability services), skill shortages, staff burnout, stress, and poor retention rates.” Explains Natalie Hamood, Director, Human Resources, DFC. “This pattern is changing … and learning is the key.
“As a learning organisation, we recognise that our goals can only be achieved by
providing staff with the skills necessary to support and empower our clients.” She said.
The Department for Families and Communities SA entered the awards in the Workforce Development in Community Services – Medium to Large Enterprise category, and was this week announced as a finalist. Key aspects of the project were:
• The consultative approach which saw staff generate ideas for improvement and then help implement them
• Focusing on building the appropriate skills for our workforce
• More staff than ever before engaged in learning and career pathways which are now integrated across the Department with the assistance of the College for Learning and Development
“DFC’s workforce planning approach and the establishment of a learning organisation, has enabled the organisation to review employment arrangements and provide a greater focus on building the appropriate skills in our workforce. To be shortlisted as a finalist means we are on the right track in achieving our workforce planning goals.” Enthused
Natalie.
Industry Skills Council Research, Development and Policy Manager, Robin Flynn explained the need for such a prestigious awards program, “With over a million people employed, the Community Services and Health Industries are one of the largest employer groups in the country, and underpin the national economy. In fact, when other industries are shrinking, these industries continue to grow and employ more and more Australians. Everyday. The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council established the awards program to recognize excellence in the industries which support and care for our entire country”
The winner of the National Accolades For Excellence Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Melbourne on October 21st.
To arrange an interview with any of the finalists or to speak with the Industry Skills Council about their awards program, contact Kate Engler 0412 526 851
