From Sue Woodward, Commissioner of the ACNC, this month’s Commissioner’s Column reflects on the horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach and its deep impact on communities and social cohesion. It highlights the vital role charities play in crisis and recovery, from the bravery of volunteer first responders and community generosity, to food relief, disaster response, and long-term rebuilding after fires and floods. The column reinforces charities as Australia’s connective tissue, while reminding the sector of its responsibility to act for public benefit, uphold charitable purposes, comply with the law, and maintain public trust through transparency. It concludes with a call to kindness, inspired by the concept of ‘mitzvah’, as a powerful way to help heal divisions and strengthen the nation.
Reform is on the horizon for the NDIS scheme in 2024, starting with the proposed NDIS Amendment Bill, which has sparked political controversy and concerns within the disability community, leading to a second senate inquiry.
Key issues include replacing the current funding test with an undefined method and the bill’s lack of robust mechanisms for co-design and oversight, offering only vague assurances of consultation with disability organisations. The bill’s success hinges on clarity, accountability, and transparency, with NDIS participants’ voices crucial for achieving effective, people-centered reform.
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Amid Australia’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, a significant majority – 78% – of individuals have reduced their charitable donations, according to research by The University of Queensland for Giving What We Can.
The survey underscores Australians’ enduring commitment to social impact, with 61% still valuing charitable giving despite financial pressures. However, the study reveals a disparity: while Australians perceive themselves as generous, they donate just 0.38% of GDP, less than comparably affluent nations.
For the disability service provision under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ensuring a seamless experience for participants is paramount.
Among this dedication to care, a critical yet often overlooked aspect is supply chain risk management. The very foundation on which services are built can be vulnerable to disruptions, but with a strategic approach, disability service providers can not only safeguard their operations but also enhance their participants’ trust.
Understanding Supply Chain Risk Management
Supply chain risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks that could disrupt the flow of products or services within an organisation. In the context of NDIS disability service providers, this refers to the networks of individuals, contractors, and organisations that collectively contribute to the participant experience.
The Risks That Lurk
Dependency Risks: Dependency on a few suppliers, especially individual contractors, can be precarious. If a key contractor faces an unexpected event, service continuity could be compromised.
Quality Assurance Risks: The quality of services may suffer if suppliers fail to meet standards or provide inadequate support.
Data Security Risks: Sharing sensitive participant data with contractors demands robust data security measures to prevent breaches or misuse.
Mitigation Strategies for Disability Service Providers
Diverse Supplier Portfolio: Reduce dependency risks by diversifying your supplier base. Instead of relying solely on individual contractors, engage with a mix of professionals and organisations.
Supplier Evaluation: Rigorously evaluate potential suppliers. Consider their track record, reputation, and capacity to meet NDIS requirements.
Contractual Clarity: Clearly outline expectations, standards, and contingency plans in contracts. This provides a solid foundation for mutual understanding and dispute resolution.
Data Security Measures: If contractors handle participant data, implement data protection protocols. Consider measures such as encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
Continuity Planning: Develop a comprehensive continuity plan that outlines steps to be taken in case of supplier disruptions. This plan could include alternatives and contingencies.
Ongoing Monitoring: Implement ongoing monitoring mechanisms, especially for individual contractors. This could involve regular communication, feedback loops, and even employing a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to ensure their devices are secure.
Embracing a Holistic Approach
The journey towards robust supply chain risk management is a collaborative one, engaging suppliers, participants, and stakeholders alike. As NDIS disability service providers, we have a unique opportunity to set new benchmarks for excellence in care provision. Let us embark on this journey with empathy, responsibility, and dedication to the betterment of those we serve.
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As the proud presenting partner, The NonProfit Alliance would like to extend our congratulations to all the 2023 finalists. The winners will be announced at a cocktail event at Doltone House on Thursday, June 15 – we hope to see you there!
The awards program shines a light on organisations, teams and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and courage in their leadership. The program also helps recognise the outstanding leaders of the many charities and not-for-profits that deliver on fundamental societal needs.
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The NonProfit Allia is honoured to join the Australian Scholarships Foundation as Presenting Partner of the 2023 NFP LEADERSHIP AWARDS.
There are so many reasons why celebrating leadership in our sector is important: to recognise the efforts of individuals, inspire others to get involved, build community, and ensure the sustainability of our sector and its organisations. NPA is thrilled to be celebrating our many leaders, whose talent, commitment, innovation and dedication are deserving of the highest recognition.
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Does your non-profit organisation work to make the world better for young people? Giving Heroes by The Funding Network is designed to develop the next generation of changemakers – those who will create the solutions of tomorrow. This program brings young people (aged 6-12 years) together to:
- Learn about three organisations helping kids across Australia.
- Raise funds and awareness for the organisation they want to support
- Learn about the collective impact of their funding support
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The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) has produced a huge library of their most popular ‘Help Sheets’ for not-for-profits since 2000.
These help sheets are frequently updated to address the issues of the day. Here are the 50 most-viewed in 2022.
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Data for Social Good is a new, free resource which aims to make the sector more data-savy by providing practical examples and evidence for the social sector to make the most out of its data.
The book has been designed for leaders and board members who are interested in becoming capable with data and how to get started, as well as for researchers partnering with the social sector on data projects for public good.
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PWCs 3rd Annual Not-For-Profit CEO Survey highlights two core themes impacting small to large NFPs across cause areas:
- Facing into the skills shortage
- Delivering in a digital world
This year, results also indicate that 77% of NFPs have upskilled employees over the past 12 months, creating a stronger organisational culture and greater employee engagement (80%), higher workforce productivity (77%) and greater organisational growth (72%).
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