Quality standards and collaboration
Many community, child safety, housing, sport and recreation and disability services are provided by non-government organisations (NGOs) funded by the Queensland Government. These organisations are funded because they are close to the community and have good knowledge of local opportunities and needs. Funding helps NGOs to strengthen their operations, services and working relationships with government.
Standards
NGOs that provide community services funded under the Community Services Act 2007 must follow minimum standards for delivery of services to the community. The standards are based on 3 areas:
- People using services: ensuring clients receive individually tailored, culturally sensitive services, delivered with respect for their individual rights.
- People working in services: ensuring staff and volunteers are appropriately recruited, competent and supported in their role.
- Governance: ensuring client services are based on clear organisational values and vision, and strong governance arrangements.
Queensland Government, Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) and other peak industry bodies are working with NGOs to help them meet these standards.
A new Human Services Quality Framework will replace the standards from July 2012.
Shared and collaborative community services arrangements
To improve service delivery to the community and to ensure funding is put to better use, NGOs are encouraged to form partnerships and share resources with other NGOs. For example, a group of NGOs could share office space, staff, vehicles, payroll and purchasing services, workplace health and safety programs or a common client assessment process.
Multi-tenant service centres are being established in Mackay, Toowoomba and Caboolture. Co-locating of organisations will be evaluated to assess the benefits of sharing administration and infrastructure, and of integrating their service delivery.
Rural Multi-Tenant Service Centres are also being established in Charters Towers, Burdekin, Dalby and Lockhart River.
Online resources
Community Door is a website developed specifically for NGOs. Tools, resources and information are provided to help organisations manage human resources, finances, marketing, administration and other everyday tasks.
