Partnership Achievements
Since 2002, Department of Human Services, peak organisations and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) have committed to a joint initiative to developing stronger relationships based on respect and reciprocity.
The aim of the partnership initiative was to implement a number of the key recommendations from the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) 47th Report to Parliament, Report on the Department of Human Services- service agreements for community, health and welfare services April 2002.
Through joint effort and an ongoing commitment to the partnership agenda the following achievements have been recorded:
Summary of Key Achievements
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Eleventh Secretary's Partnership Forum | Forum title - It's About Partnering |
| 2006 | Tenth Secretary's Partnership Forum Ninth Secretary's Partnership Forum |
Forum Title - Partnering to Evaluate, Share, Learn and Improve Forum title - Partners in Quality Improvement |
| 2005 | Eighth Secretary's Partnership Forum | Forum title - Partners in Workforce Management |
| Signing of 05-08 Partnership Agreement | The Agreement reiterates the mutual reliance between the Department and the service delivery organisations it funds and the importance of the strength of that relationship in ensuring effective public policy and best service utcomes for all Victorians | |
| Flexible Funding Initiative | Endorsement for agencies to negotiate flexible ways of doing business that will yield direct benefits to clients | |
| Second Partnership Survey released | Provides information on the key aspects of sector and departmental relationships | |
| 2004 | Establishment of the Community Sector Investment Fund | Allocation of funds to support and sustain sector infrastructure and viability |
| Development of the Collaboration and Consultation Protocol | Guide and reference tool to promote partnership between the department and the sectors | |
| Establishment of the Human Services Partnership Implementation Committee.(HSPIC) | The primary forum for formal information exchange, consultation and collaboration on key related departmental initiatives | |
| Implementation of the Partnership in Practice Project | Aimed at strengthening Partnership related skills, capabilities and support structures for DHS staff | |
| 2003 | Three Year Service Agreements commenced | Introduction of agreements covering a three-year period which enables organisations greater emphasis on planning, collaborative problem-solving and continuous improvement |
| First Partnership Survey | Development of first survey was part of the Partnership Flagship Project | |
| 2002 | Signing of Partnership Agreement and MAV Protocol | Signed in October 2002 by by Patricia Faulkner, Secretary, DHS, Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) and Iain Fraser, Executive Officer, Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA), on behalf of Health, Housing and Community Services organisations. |
| First Secretary's Partnership Forum | Titled - Partnership Consultative Forum; Key discussion item: Financial Realities, involved signing of the Partnership Agreement |