1.7 Human Services Partnership Implementation Committee
1.7.1 Purpose
The purpose of the committee is to promote consultation and engagement between the department and the funded sector.
1.7.2 Background
The Human Service Partnership Implementation Committee (HSPIC) was formed in early 2004 and is co-chaired by Val Callister (Regional Director Gippsland) and Cath Smith (Executive Director VCOSS)
It was established as a result of the Partnership Agreement (October 2002) agreed between the department and the health, housing and community services sector, and the Partnership Protocol agreed with local government, also in October 2002.
The work of HSPIC in strengthening partnership relationships was acknowledged and re-affirmed with the signing of the second Partnership Agreement in November 2005.
The committee has a shared responsibility to better support all staff to collaborate in order to deliver effective and sustainable health, housing and community services.
The committee meets bi-monthly alternating the chair and location between the Department of Human Services and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
Key HSPIC activities past and present include:
- twice yearly Partnership Forums hosted by the Secretary;
- promoting and embedding the DHS/Sector Consultation and Collaboration Protocol (2004) in program/policy planning and implementation;
- evaluation of the Partnership relationship;
- reviewing and improving relevant business processes, and, (as required and appropriate) providing a point of contact for discussions / negotiations on sector wide related funding issues.
- hosting developmental and/or working forums to look at sector wide issues and share learning. The most recent of these has been a forum to look at sector-wide workforce issues and to consider short and long term workforce support strategies. Progressing these activities is often supported by the work of small HSPIC working groups.
DHS has committed to provide funds to VCOSS for the term of the Partnership in Practice Memorandum of Understanding 2009 to 2012. This funding is for HSPIC administrative, policy development and implementation support work to develop, progress and report on the annual HSPIC work plans.
1.7.3 Terms of reference
- Strengthen DHS and sector partnering to achieve mutually effective and respectful relationships.
- Provide a forum for exchange of information about issues affecting the community sector as a whole.
- Auspice working parties and projects to further the aims of HSPIC.
- Coordinate bi-annual Secretary’s Partnerships Forums and convene sector wide Forums as agreed to address the strategic challenges of the community sector.
1.7.4 Membership list
2 Co-chairs
4 DHS members
9 Peaks and sector members
|
Name |
Title |
|---|---|
| Valerie Callister (Co Chair) | Regional Director, Gippsland Region |
| Cath Smith (Co Chair) | Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Council of Social Service |
| Clare Hargreaves | Senior Policy Adviser, Municipal Association of Victoria |
| Dan Gleeson | Manager, Membership and Operations, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare |
| David Wright-Howie | Acting Chief Executive Officer, Council to Homeless Persons |
| Jane Sheats | Research and Policy Officers, Victorian Healthcare Association |
| Kerry Presser | State Manager, National Disability Services |
| Kim Koop | Chief Executive Officer, VicServe |
| Lauren Matthews (HSPIC) | Partnership Policy Officer, Victorian Council of Social Service |
| Sam Biondo | Executive Officer, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association |
| Sandie de Wolf | Chief Executive Officer, Berry Street Victoria |
| Timothy Moore | Senior Policy Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisation (VACCHO) |
| Department of Human Services representatives | |
| Carol Mayell | Manager, Partnerships, Regional Operations Performance, Operations Division |
| David Ali | Acting Director, Business Development Branch, Financial and Corporate Services Division |
| Jane Bennett | Director, Regional Operations Performance, Operations Division |
| Joanna Birdseye | Acting Director, Strategic Projects, Portfolio Services and Strategic Projects Division |
1.7.5 Primary contacts
HSPIC support and coordination
Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS)
Lauren Matthews
HSPIC Partnership Policy Officer
T: 9654 5050
E: lauren.matthews@vcoss.org.au
Department of Human Services
Carol Mayell
Manager, Partnerships
Regional Operations Branch
Operations Division
T: 9096 8420
E: carol.mayell@dhs.vic.gov.au