NESA ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 – THE YEAR IN REVIEW
ABOUT US – Who we are and what we do
Our Mission
The National Employment Services Association was established in 1997 as the peak body representing the unique Australian Government contracted employment services sector [1].
For more than two decades we have not only provided a bridge between the sector and government, but we have also assured capacity building, best practice development and exchange, national and international consulting and project management, ensuring the best possible services for job seekers, employers and communities.
Our mission is to lead a sustainable, effective and diverse employment services sector through influential representation and advocacy and effective member support and capacity development.
[1] Australia is the only country in the world with a fully outsourced employment services system, operating in a quasi-market, controlled by government. The unique Australian system has been in operation now for more than 20 years, and is an inspiration for governments and labour market research and policy organisations the world over.
The Australian government engages independent organisations via contractual arrangements. These organisations can be of any size, not-for-profit or private, but must comply to a strict set of compliance and performance standards, and are constantly under review. Performance is measured in terms of successfully getting people into sustained employment, and underperforming organisations have the number of job seekers they are allowed to service reduced, and if their performance standards do not rise, they will lose their contract altogether.
“Employment services providers” are the organisations who offer support and assistance to Australian job seekers in finding and maintaining work. The mainstream employment services program is called ‘jobactive’, but there are many other more specialised programs as well (see below). Anybody can seek the assistance of an employment services provider, but all people registered with Centrelink to receive Newstart allowance are required to engage with an employment services provider as part of their eligibility requirements.
The Employment Services Ecosystem
OVERVIEW:
The Australian Employment Services ecosystem is a complex interrelationship of organisations, centred on assisting job seekers to link up with employers, and to find lasting employment. This important work is carried out by Employment Services providers, and as the peak body for the sector NESA supports and represents providers and brings together a diverse range of government and community stakeholders, industry partners and educational bodies from the length and breadth of Australian society.
– Job seekers and employers
– NESA Members / Employment Services Providers
Providers are organisations who have a government contract to deliver one or more of the national employment services programs (jobactive, Disability Employment Services, New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, ParentsNect etc.). Find out more on the NESA website: www.nesa.com.au
– NESA / Employment Services Sector
The employment services providers and their staff, as well as the job seekers they service, make up the sector. NESA is the peak body for the sector, advocating on behalf of providers to the relevant government departments, as well as providing policy guidance, capacity building and project management across the sector and across the nation. Find our more on the NESA website: www.nesa.com.au
– Key Stakeholders
Mental Health Australia https://mhaustralia.org/], Australian Council of Social Service [https://www.acoss.org.au/], Refugee Council of Australia [https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/], Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry [https://www.australianchamber.com.au/] and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [http://www.oecd.org/]
– Governments & Departments
Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business [https://www.employment.gov.au/], Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet [https://www.pmc.gov.au/], Department of Social Services [ https://www.dss.gov.au/], National Indigenous Australians Agency [https://www.niaa.gov.au/]
– NESA Industry Partners
NESA have established a national network of organisations providing invaluable support and products directly to members. Find out more on the NESA website: www.nesa.com.au.
– Community and Health Services
Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation, Mental Health Services, Housing Services, Family and Parenting Support Services, Disability Support Services, Financial Services and Multicultural Services
– Education and Training
TAFEs, Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Research Organisations
– Australian Communities
Urban, Rural, Regional and Remote
Employment Services Programs
Employment Services are a crucial link in the broader Community and Health Services and Education landscape, including Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Currently, the major Australian employment services programs are:
jobactive – 614,000 job seekers
Disability Employment Services (DES) – 238,327 job seekers
ParentsNext – 75,259 job seekers
Community Development Program (CDP) – 30,000 job seekers
Youth Jobs PaTH – 76,004 job seekers
Transition to Work – 78,973 job seekers
The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) – 8,600 job seekers
Time to Work Employment Service (TWES) – 912 job seekers
SOURCES:
jobactive: Labour Market Information Portal, jobactive Caseload by Selected Cohorts Time Series [http://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/Downloads/EmploymentRegion]
DES: Labour Market Information Portal [http://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/Downloads/DisabilityEmploymentServicesData/DESCaseloadandCommencementsData], DES Monthly Report – 30 June 2019, [http://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/Downloads/DisabilityEmploymentServicesData/MonthlyData]
ParentsNext: Answers to Questions taken on Notice during 27 February public hearing, and answers to written Questions on Notice, received from Department of Jobs and Small Business, 8 March 2019 (Question Number SQ19-000185) [https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/ParentsNext/Additional_Documents]
CDP: Australian Government – national Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) – The Community Development Program (CDP) [https://www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/employment/cdp]
Youth Jobs PaTH: Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business – Explainer: Youth Jobs PaTH [https://www.employment.gov.au/newsroom/explainer-youth-jobs-path]
Transition to Work: Labour Market Information Portal, jobactive and Transition to Work (TtW) Caseload Cohorts by Employment Region, Provider and Site as at 30 September 2019 [http://lmip.gov.au/PortalFile.axd?FieldID=2795652&.xlsx]
NEIS: Australian Government – Business [https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/new-business-assistance-with-neis]
Time to Work Employment Service (TWES): Data communicated to NESA on request by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Time to Work Employment Service as at 30 June 2019.
Our Members
Our Members include not-for-profit and private organisations who offer any of the Government contracted employment services (see above).
NESA’s Membership covers the totality of the jobactive/DES regions in non-remote Australia, and 65% of the remote CDP regions. We also have a service delivery footprint across all of remote Australia through the provision of capacity building projects.
Chair’s Report
I am very pleased to be able to report on another year in NESA’s continuing role as the voice of the Australian Employment Services Sector. As we enter our third decade of service to our Members and the sector, NESA continues to provide leadership, representation, advocacy and support.
The bedding down of the DES reforms, and the introduction of the Targeted Compliance Framework have kept us busy in providing guidance and support to Members, and feedback to government. There have also been changes to ParentsNext, Career Transition Assistance and jobactive for which NESA has been actively advocating on behalf of the sector. Preparations and discussions continue around the New Employment Services model scheduled for 2022.
NESA’s Membership continues to grow and develop, with several new Members being welcomed this year.
NESA Solutions’ project work in remote Australia continues from strength to strength, providing workforce development for the Remote School Attendance Strategy and both front-line workforce and community training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid. These projects continue to have a powerful and positive impact on remote communities across the country.
In many ways one of the highlights of the year is the NESA Awards for Excellence, which recognise just some of the outstanding work done across the sector. This year, as always, the candidates were of the highest quality, and the judges were hard-pressed to choose between them. The quality of nominees poses the same problem every year, and is testament to the great work done across the sector.
I wish to acknowledge the contribution and dedication of all of my fellow Board Directors, and record my thanks to all of them for their hard work and support during the year. On their behalf I also wish to thank retiring director Anthony Steel, NESA CEO Sally Sinclair, Deputy CEO Matt Clarke and all of our excellent management and staff for the consistent quality of the work done on behalf of the sector. My thanks also to our Members – the dedicated workers of the sector – for the tireless work that they put into achieving our shared vision – opportunity for all through employment and inclusion.
Rowena McNally
Independent Chair
NESA Board as at 30 June 2019
INDEPENDENT CHAIR
– Rowena McNally
DIRECTORS
– Matthew Little
– Anthony Steel
– John Perry
– Rebecca Nicholls
– Nicole Dwyer
– Renae Lowry
To read more about our board of directors please visit nesa.com.au.
CEO’s Report
This year has seen some major policy developments, as well as the traditional “coming of age” of the Employment Services system: Job Network was established 21 years ago. Since this time, we have had 7 Prime Ministers, presiding over 16 Ministers responsible for the Employment Services portfolio. The portfolio (and therefore the Department) has changed its name 7 times, much to the exasperation of 6 Deputy Secretaries (Employment). We have been through 8 commissioning events and contract periods, with two changes of major program name (Job Network to Job Services Australia (JSA) and JSA to jobactive) and seen 21 employment programs discontinued or superseded.
NESA has said on many occasions that our sector has an incredible capacity for agility and resilience. The ongoing reform agenda has been relentless and the scale and magnitude of reform enormous. However, despite the challenges, our sector has continued to deliver record performance contract after contract, driven by our commitment to inclusion for all through employment.
And the pace of change is not slowing…
Over the past year, the implementation of the Targeted Compliance Framework has required significant effort and collaboration by all providers and stakeholders across the sector.
The new Disability Employment Services (DES) model commenced in July 2018 and its implementation has involved greater emphasis on choice and person-centred approaches with fundamental change to previous arrangements including removal of market share. Despite initial operational challenges, the program has stabilised and is assisting participants to achieve their employment inclusion goals. NESA continues to represent DES through the DES Reference Group, National Disability and Carers Advisory Council (NDCAC), the NDCAC Employment Reform Working Group and regular liaison with the Department of Families and Social Services and relevant Ministers.
This year NESA also supported Members through the expansion of ParentsNext, purchasing for the national roll-out of Career Transition Assistance and the bedding down of the Time to Work program.
Indigenous employment and the Community Development Program (CDP) reform continue to be priorities. NESA’s CDP Special Interest Group has remained focused and committed to progressing this work. The CDP Provider Forum continues to provide opportunities for engagement, networking and robust discussion about future directions of Indigenous employment in Australia.
Changes made to jobactive arrangements, particularly in relation to wage subsidies have tested the sector and NESA is continuing to advocate regarding the service delivery and financial pressures related to the adequacy of investment in the Employment Fund.
As a sector we are on the cusp of the next wave of change with the proposed move from a deeply embedded human service delivery methodology, to a model incorporating a significant digital service component. NESA is regularly engaging with the Department, Ministers and other stakeholders regarding New Employment Services and the various trials informing design of the new model to ensure that the experience of the sector remains at the forefront of policy development.
The inaugural NESA International Innovation Tour attended by 15 NESA Member leaders provided insight into international experience with mature digital service models. The expertise from our international colleagues and learnings gathered through this tour will contribute to our representation on future directions in Australia.
Whilst we agree that transformation and innovation should be embraced, NESA continues to advocate to government that while technological advancement has much to offer it should not and does not replace the need for personal services. The implications of these changes speak broadly to the future of all human services in Australia. It is essential that the voices and expertise of the sector are heard to ensure that the next iteration of employment services is fit for purpose.
Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) Training project NESA Solutions continued its crucial work in remote Australia delivering the Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) Training project to over 453 RSAS staff, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) project to more than 2270 remote workers and community members.
The RSAS project delivered 53 RSAS training workshops in 52 RSAS sites, and the AMHFA project, 173 AMHFA workshops in over 100 communities.
We are proud that the work we do has equipped the RSAS workforce with valuable skills to increase Indigenous school attendance across remote Australia. We are also proud that our work directly within communities and with the Community Development Program (CDP), Community Night Patrol (CNP) and School Nutrition Program (SNP) providers’ frontline staff has equipped them with the skills they need to respond to the mental health issues that are happening in their communities.
On behalf of myself and my dedicated team, thank you for your continued support.
We look forward to working with you over the coming year, as we work together toward opportunity for all through employment and inclusion.
Sally Sinclair
CEO
VISION – Opportunity for all through employment and inclusion
Employment Matters
Unemployment can affect anyone, at any time. Unemployment has wide ranging impact on individuals, families, the wider community and our economy.
Work not only provides income for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, it also provides purpose and social inclusion. The longer people are unemployed, the more their prospects of finding work diminish, as do their resources, further limiting their opportunities.
The mission of Australian employment services, and of NESA as the peak body for the sector, is to break the cycle of unemployment and enable people to be fully included in the social and economic life of the community. The work carried out by our dedicated Members in the employment services sector is challenging – but the human rewards are great. Our Members support individuals with complex barriers and needs to enable them to secure employment. Providers of employment services and their frontline employment consultants know that their efforts count, not just to individual clients, but to families, society as a whole and the Australian economy.
The job ahead – Leaving no one behind
Title: Participation Rate by Age – January 2019
Values:
Age Range: 15 – 24
Participating (%): 69
Not Participating (%): 30
Age Range: 25 – 34
Participating (%): 84
Not Participating (%): 15
Age Range: 35 – 44
Participating (%): 85
Not Participating (%): 15
Age Range: 45 – 54
Participating (%): 82
Not Participating (%): 17
Age Range: 55 – 64
Participating (%): 65
Not Participating (%): 34
Age Range: 65+
Participating (%): 86
Not Participating (%): 13
Data: ABS 6291.0.55.001 Labour Force, Australia, Detailed – Electronic Delivery
Title: Gender Breakdown of the Australian Labour Force
Values:
FEMALE
Employed Full-Time 3.2 million
Employed Part-Time 2.7 million
Unemployed 0.3 million
Not In The Labour Force 4.2 million
MALE
Employed Full-Time 5.5 million
Employed Part-Time 1.2 million
Unemployed 0.38 million
Not In The Labour Force 2.9 million
Data: ABS 6202.0 labour Force status by Sex, Australia – Trend, Seasonally Adjusted and Original
Realising Our Vision
Highlights from the Year in Review
Achievements from NESA Submissions and Advocacy
– Improved Payment Model in CDP
Our advocacy resulted in increased outcome payments and increased employment incentive payments
– Business Reallocation
Consideration by government of key mitigating factors impacting provider performance
– Employment Services 2022
Continued extensive consultation and co-design through round tables and working groups
– Targeted Compliance Framework
A trusted voice at the table to ensure a fair and equitable framework is maintained whilst minimising unnecessary penalties imposed upon participants
– Employability Skills Training
Influencing decision making protocols to minimise financial sanctions upon providers
– DES Wage Subsidy Agreements
Successful negotiation of maximum length of the wage subsidy period increased to 9 months
– Servicing Job Seekers with Challenging Behaviours
Increased recognition by government of the severity and increased instances of critical incidents resulting in improved servicing arrangements and protocols to ensure staff safety across the sector
– Improving CDP Compliance Arrangements
Advocated to remove connection between job seeker compliance and payment model, which provided greater flexibility for providers. There has been an overall decrease in penalties being applied since 1 March 2019
– Transition for New CDP Services – 2019
Advocated for new services to receive transition funding and a modified payment model in the first three months to give providers adequate investment during contract start up.
– Improving Connection – Fast Tracking Feedback
Continued work to obtain quick responses to program and policy issues across all programs.
– 1000 Jobs Creation Package Design – CDP
Advocated for provider effort to be recognised in rolling out the Job Creation Package resulting in CDPs playing a crucial role in the initiative, and with any placements counted toward the Regional Employment Target, and outcome payments payable.
– Contracting Structure – CDP
Advocated for the purchasing process to allow for a range of contracting structures to ensure the widest possible options for communities.
Support
Policy Support
3,600+ Help desk calls/emails for policy support
550+ Members gained policy insights and contributed to policy positions through their participation in NESA’s Leadership Forums, Special Interest Groups, Taskforces, Working, Advisory Groups and regular topic focused/general member phone consultations.
3,300+ Subscribers were kept regularly informed of policy development through NESA communications.
Sector Capacity Building
NESA continued to support the sector to advance employment inclusion in 2018-19:
1,700+ Sector leaders and frontline staff gained skills and knowledge through NESA’s professional development and coaching programs, workshops and webinars throughout the year
88 Public and in-house professional development events held
820+ Member representatives benefited from NESA events and forums
740+ Employment services practitioners registered for the Practitioner Toolkit
VOICE – We Represent the Sector to Government and to the Wider Public
Strong Representation and Advocacy
Throughout the year, NESA has maintained strong representation and advocacy on behalf of its Members, utilising multiple channels of influence to promote an understanding of the sector, and to progress its position on necessary improvements to programs and the broader employment services sector.
NESA’s Tireless Representation of the Sector Included:
RESPONSES TO DISCUSSION AND INDUSTRY PAPERS
– jobactive 36 Month Business Reallocation Industry Information Paper
– Issues paper to the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business regarding Employability Skills Training (EST) and Breach Notices
– Seasonal Worker Incentives Trial Evaluation
– Targeted Compliance Framework
– Online Employment Services Trial
– JSCI Online Trial
– New Employment Services Model announcements
– DES Wage Subsidy Arrangements following Grant Direction 1
– Sector Development Fund
– CDP Reform
– CDP Procurement
– Public Interest Certificates, National Work Experience Program, Career Transition Assistance, Quality Assurance Framework, Changes to the Employment Fund
FORMAL SUBMISSIONS TO GOVERNMENT:
– NESA’s Response to the Next Generation of Employment Services
– Response to the ParentsNext Senate Inquiry, including its original trial and subsequent broader rollout.
– NESA’s Response to the Senate Inquiry into The Appropriateness and Effectiveness of the Objectives, Design, Implementation and Evaluation of jobactive
– NESA’s Submission on the Social Security Amendment (Community Development Program) Bill 2018
– NESA’s 2019 Pre-Budget Submission
– NESA’s Submission to the Strengthening Skills: Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training System
– NESA’s Submission to the Long Service Benefits Portability Act 2018 (Vic) Consultation
WE REPRESENTED THE SECTOR BEFORE SIX GOVERNMENT INQUIRY COMMITTEES:
– Senate Inquiry into the appropriateness and effectiveness of the objectives, design, implementation and evaluation of jobactive
– Senate Inquiry into the appropriateness and effectiveness of the objectives, design, implementation and evaluation of the Community Development Program
– Senate Inquiry into ParentsNext, including its trial and subsequent broader rollout
– Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Social Security Legislation Amendment (Community Development Program) Bill 2018
– The National Youth Commission Public Hearing
Representing the Sector
Advisory Bodies and Working Groups
– National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Market Oversight Advisory Group
– Disability Employment Services Transition Reference Group
– DES Taskforce
– National Disability and Carers Advisory Council (NDCAC)
– NDCAC Employment Reform Working Group – Appointed Chair
– Employment Services Expert Advisory Panel including the following working groups:
– Providers and Enhanced Services Working Group
– Job Seeker Activation and Assessment Working Group
– Employer Engagement Working Group
– Digital Services Working Group
– Regional and Local Approaches Working Group
– jobactive Operations and Practice Advisory Group
– jobactive Performance Framework Working Group
– Targeted Compliance Framework – Change Management CEO Working Group
– IT Advisory Group
– Client Services Industry Reference Committee
– Early Adopters Innovation Forum
– Servicing Individuals with Challenging Behaviours Working Group
– Time To Work Employment Service Workshop
9TH REMUNERATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SURVEY
NESA is pleased to have conducted the 9th Australian Employment Services Workforce Survey of Remuneration and Human Resource Management Performance, in conjunction with Maguire Consulting.
The survey investigates the nature and levels of remuneration paid to key personnel within employment services organisations in Australia, and reports on human resource management performance benchmarks in areas considered critical to business performance.
This year, we were pleased to receive participation from organisations across all states, with FTE numbers ranging from 1-100 up to 300+, gross revenue ranging from $5m to $50m+, and representing both for-profit and not-for-profit providers. All current employment services programs are represented.
The survey reveals significant trends in staff turnover, salary movements and bonus and incentive payments, and offers calculations on the cost of employment, staff induction and training and staff replacement. HR topics investigated include recruitment and retention, staff learning and development and employee welfare.
SECTOR NETWORKS
NESA engaged extensively with other influential bodies to enhance the vital work of the employment services sector. These networks provide support for policy positions and strategies to support disadvantaged job seekers and employers.
– Financial Inclusion Action Plan Advisory Group
– Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
– Business Women Champions of the Heart
– University of Melbourne
– Brotherhood of St Laurence
– Australian National University
– ARC Blue Consulting Group
– Ernst and Young
– Health Benefits of Good Work (RACP)
– Career Education Association of Victoria (CEAV)
– National Youth Employment Body
– Associations Forum
– Concentrix
– National NEIS Association
– European Commission
– Flemish Office for Employment and Vocational Training
– German Public Employment Service
– Dutch Public Employment Services
– OECD
– OECD LEED Forum on Local Development
– World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES)
– International Council for Career Development Public Policy (ICCDPP)
Policy Support
Policy and Operational Assistance
In 2018-19 we provided policy and operational assistance to provider across all programs.
NESA POLICY FORUMS
We delivered a range of provider forums to consult with and support Members. These policy forums and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) included:
– jobactive Taskforce
– DES Taskforce
– IT Reference and Reports Working Group
– CDP Special Interest Group
NESA thanks Members, the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Department of Social Services and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) for their support and participation in these policy forums.
POLICY HELP DESK
NESA supported Members responding to inbound requests for assistance and conducted outbound call campaigns to gather member views on key issues, including:
– The Future of Employment Services
– DES Implementation
– ParentsNext
– Employability Skills Training
– Wage Subsidies
– Targeted Compliance Framework
– Public Interest Certificates
– Business Reallocation
– Quality Assurance Framework
– Work for the Dole
– Seasonal Worker Incentives Trial
– Career Transition Assistance
– Employment Fund
KEEPING MEMBERS INFORMED
We Delivered Regular Communications and Provider Forums Throughout the Year.
WEBSITE
nesa.com.au is the hub of our public outreach, and details all of NESA’s activities, structure, publications and contact details. It is a constantly evolving showcase of all our activities and includes member-exclusive areas containing policy documents and submissions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our comms team is also active on social media, making regular updates on Facebook [NESALtd], Twitter [@nesa01] and LinkedIn.
Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NESALtd/]
LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-employment-services-association/]
Twitter [https://twitter.com/nesa01]
YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_mSWrCPOV1UYsE6fWOUvA]
FACEBOOK REACH 129,000
117 POSTS | 1657 CLICKS | 688 POST LIKES
TWITTER REACH 161,000
157 TWEETS/RETWEETS | 101 CLICKS | 158 LIKES
NEWSLETTERS
Our communications team maintain five regular electronic communications:
– The Leadership Bulletin from the desk of NESA CEO Sally Sinclair, goes to members’ leadership teams, to keep organisational management informed of high level policy and operational issues as well as NESA advocacy, representation and initiatives.
– Job Matters is our public fortnightly media, reports and published research roundup. It is also a forum for our industry partners to keep in touch with our readership.
– Capability Matters is our public fortnightly Professional Development calendar, highlighting our ever evolving range of capacity-building workshops, coaching programs and webinars.
– Targeted Professional Development bulletins, which are public announcements of up-coming capacity-building opportunities.
– Industry Events announcements, in which we let our public readership know about Forums, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Conferences that NESA is organising.
Sign up to our newsletters > [https://nesa.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=38d760cfe8e3e1d8bcebfd157&id=f0373c7227]
ACKNOWLEDGING EXCELLENCE
Every year it is with great pleasure that we acknowledge the great work done by allied organisations, providers, employment consultants, employers and job seekers themselves through the NESA Awards for Excellence.
THE NESA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
The NESA Awards for Excellence acknowledge the outstanding effort, innovation and successes of individuals and organisations across the employment services sector.
ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
SUPPORTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS, SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS
JOSEPHINE WILLCOX
NOMINATED BY MY PATHWAY
(Award accepted on Josephine’s behalf by Janette Burrows)
“…I know that I can achieve anything with persistence and at least one person to believing in me. I want to be able to provide that belief for others in tough situations.”
EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR
SUPPORTED BY NESA
DEIDRE HINDMARSH
NOMINATED BY SUREWAY EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Deidre has shown outstanding imagination and success in matching even the most challenging clients to new professional pathways, her own diverse experience allowing her to understand that finding the right fit is the key to success.
INNOVATION IN DISABIILTY EMPLOYMENT – TEAM
SUPPORTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
TRADCO
NOMINATED BY THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF THE BLIND
The training and mentoring systems put into place, as well as the simple adjustments to workplace methods and even to job design to support visually impaired employees are a fine example of how breaking traditional moulds does not require huge outlay, and can have very positive results.
CHAMPION EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
SUPPORTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS, SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS
LATITUDE
NOMINATED BY ATWORK AUSTRALIA
Latitude deliberately takes on young, inexperienced employees and upskills them, allowing them to develop within the company. They also maintain communication methods that ally closely with the technological reality and experience of their young staff, employing smart phones and social media as an integral part of their staff experience.
INNOVATION IN INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS, SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS
PEOPLEPLUS, TEAM MAROUBRA
NOMINATED BY PEOPLEPLUS
Team Maroubra have been involved in a unique project to improve the cultural awareness of young Indigenous men, while providing them with essential skills to pursue a maritime career. In cooperation with Tribal Warrior – a not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation that aims to strengthen traditional cultural understanding and to develop social and economic security for Indigenous Australians – the Team organised for 10 young Indigenous men to sail from Sydney to Cairns.
EXCELLENCE IN COLLABORATION
SUPPORTED BY SUNSUPER
SODEXO, SM TAFE AND ATWORK AUSTRALIA
NOMINATED BY ATWORK AUSTRALIA
The collaborative initiative is designed for Indigenous Australians with multiple barriers to employment, and includes not only relevant upskilling, but also a health, fitness and well-being program which has proven itself as an effective and life-changing experience for participants.
NATIONAL PROMOTION
NESA used multiple channels to promote better understanding and appreciation of Australian employment services through:
– Stakeholder engagement
– Media coverage
– Social media
– Speaking engagements
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION
NESA’s work on the international front raises the profile of Australian employment services and service providers in the global arena, which strengthens the position of sector both at home and abroad. The Australian employment services sector continues to inspire governments and employment services bodies throughout the world, and by keeping the international eye on our achievements and successes, we keep the political value of the sector high. It also provides direct opportunities for some of our members to access and develop services in international markets.
OVERSEAS PRESENTATIONS BY NESA CEO SALLY SINCLAIR
OECD LEED FORUM, 18-19 SEPTEMBER 2018, PORTO, PORTUGAL
NESA CEO Sally Sinclair attended the 14th meeting of the OECD Forum for Local Development Practitioners, Entrepreneurs, and Social Innovators which explored how the megatrends are impacting on jobs, workplaces, and local economic development opportunities. This forum was particularly timely given the emphasis on digitalisation in Australia’s future employment services.
In the opening plenary session Sally chaired a panel of international experts who focused on rethinking local employment and skills policies in a polarising labour market, and she had the opportunity to afford her expertise and share Australia’s experiences.
8TH REGIONAL POLICY DIALOGUE ON TVET AND 10TH ANNUAL EXPERT MEETING OF THE INITIATIVE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS STRATEGIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (ESSSA) – 21-22 NOV 2018, VIENTIANE, LAO PDR
NESA CEO Sally Sinclair attended this forum to contribute her expertise on employment services and this included moderating a breakout panel session on “Better linking job seekers with employers – Innovative job matching approaches in rural areas.” The two expert panellists were Mr Fr. Rex Carbilledo, SDB, Technical Director of Don Bosco TVET Centre, Mati, Davao oriental, Philippines and Mr Somean Kuoch, Deputy Head, National Employment Agency, Cambodia.
Presentation: Better Linking Job Seekers with Employers Innovative Job Matching Approaches in Rural Areas
Download presentation (PDF 1.2MB) [https://nesa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Sally-Sinclairs-presentation-Lao-22-November-2018.pdf]
THE NESA INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION TOUR
This year, NESA hosted the International Innovation Tour between the 24th and the 30th of March. 15 delegates from 12 different NESA Member organisations accompanied NESA CEO Sally Sinclair, and Principal Policy Advisor Annette Gill on a rich series of visits and consultations with Public Employment Service organisations in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Participants were unanimous on the value of the experience.
“I feel empowered to continue the policy dialogue on digital services in Australia.”
“[A] big thank you to NESA for the opportunity to participate and learn from the experience of our contemporaries around the world.”
SUPPORT – We Support Members and Advance the Capacity of the Sector
ONGOING SUPORT
In 2018-19, we assured policy and operational support to providers across all programs, and delivered regular communications and provider forums throughout the year.
NETWORK AND SUPPLY CHAIN
NESA has a rich network of Industry Partners and consultants within its supply chain. This year NESA partnered with the following organisations to provide targeted training, capacity building and other tailored support for Members.
NESA’s Industry Partner network is an important value proposition for all of our Members. Through our Industry Partnerships we maintain a national network of organisations providing invaluable support and products directly to Members. Throughout the year we have received positive feedback from Members on their engagement with our Industry Partners, ranging from establishing a more efficient superannuation solution to saving significant amounts of money through updating their insurance policies. We have also received outstanding feedback on the reporting and training solutions that we have been able to introduce through these relationships.
We thank all of our partner organisations for their support:
* Sunsuper
* Marsh Advantage Insurance
* Bounce
* Alffie
* Indigenous Consulting Group
* Corporate Culcha
* Maguire Consulting
* Etrainu
* Betterlink Group
* Pure Insights
* Back2Work
* Lowes Back To Work
NESA EVENTS
We strive to deliver relevant and inspirational events throughout the year.
This year has included:
– Leadership Forums
Leadership Forums providing opportunities for leaders to gain information and interact with a wide range of speakers, including Ministers and departmental executives as well as caucus with colleagues on sector, program and policy development.
– Masterclasses
Masterclasses to equip sector leaders with necessary skills and understanding into Digital Impact and Leadership.
– International Women’s Day Luncheon
Our 5th International Women’s Day Luncheon, sponsored by NESA Industry Partner Marsh Advantage Insurance, brought together the female leaders of the employment services sector and included special guest Lynda Ford. Lynda highlighted the importance of mentoring relationships – being open to others and finding one for yourself. The theme for the 2019 International Women’s Day was #BalanceforBetter. A strong call to motivate and unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to strive for gender-balance in society; across business, government and media.
“You can’t be, what you can’t see.” – Lynda Ford
INSPIRING PROGRESS – NESA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
On the 8th and 9th of August, we came together in Brisbane under the banner of Inspiring Progress – Building Agility and Resilience through Focussed Leadership.
The Conference was attended by the Hon Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services and Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation, and the Hon Ed Husic, Shadow Minister for Employment Services, Workforce Participation and the Future of Work, Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy, and honoured guest speaker, Sir Bill English, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Delegates heard timely, forward-looking plenary presentations from Michael McQueen, Professor Kristy Muir and Andrew Griffiths, as well as a moving story of resilience and courage from Kathy Kelly.
Parallel sessions rich with program-specific workshops, strategy and leadership guidance and new policy directions provided ample opportunities for delegates to exchange with subject experts and colleagues.
Every year, NESA awards a number of Scholarships to deserving NESA Members, allowing delegates who might not otherwise have the means to attend the Conference.
NESA CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
This year’s Scholarship awardees were:
– Fiona Anning (AMES Australia)
“[W]hat a great conference and so much information has been shared […] I was able to obtain a lot of new information and was able to deliver to my teams to help them explore a lot more options as tools for them to help service our job seekers and employers better.”
– Lisa Taylor-Phillips (Busy At Work)
“I am passionate about my work and like to be up to date with all the area’s of Employment Services.”
– Melissa Templar (My Pathway)
“The NESA conference was such an amazing opportunity for me and I learnt so much in a number of different ways and built so many networks.”
– Stacy Connell (Enterprise and Training Company)
“I am so grateful to have had this opportunity at this stage of my employment services career to be able to attend. […] From the conference I was given many tools that now help me in my day to day tasks in my role.”
SUPPORTERS, SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS
NESA would like to thank all of our generous supporters, sponsors and exhibitors:
– Australian Government JobAccess [https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/home]
– Sunsuper [https://www.sunsuper.com.au/]
– Alffie [http://www.alffie.com]
– Bounce Australia [http://www.bounceaustralia.com/]
– Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business [https://www.employment.gov.au/]
– Geographic Solutions [https://www.geographicsolutions.com]
– Hivetec Australia [http://www.hivetec.com.au]
– JobReady.Live [https://live.jobready.com.au]
– Corporate Culcha [https://www.corporateculcha.com.au/]
– Geared Up Culcha [https://www.gearedupculcha.com.au/]
– Back2Work Health Specialists [https://back2work.com.au/]
– Lowes Back to Work [https://www.lowesbacktowork.com.au/]
– SoNET Systems [http://sonet.com.au]
– Shine People Solutions [http://www.shinepeoplesolutions.com.au/]
FAREWELL
Farewell to NESA Conference Business Manager, Carole Gregson
After 17 and a half years of dedicated and loyal service to NESA and our Members, NESA Conference Business Manager Carole Gregson has decided to take the “road less travelled” to discover new and exciting ways to challenge herself.
Carole’s contribution to NESA over the years has been immeasurable, but she will be especially remembered for producing stand-out National Conferences, and introducing us to inspirational speakers, stimulating learning experiences and unforgettable NESA Awards for Excellence ceremonies.
We cannot thank Carole enough for all the wonderful work she has done, and we wish her all the best in the future.
“It’s all about the conversation…” – Carole Gregson
NESA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Our Professional Development team collaborates with expert trainers to offer webinars, workshops and coaching programs as part of our commitment to the continuing professionalization of the sector. Our Professional Development events are available to the public, but offered at reduced rates for NESA Members.
Topics are offered throughout the year and in response to demand. Tailored in-house training is also available in cooperation with specific organisations.
NESA delivered 88 public and in-house professional development events throughout the year to 1700+ people. NESA PD has consistently high participation from regional and remote Australia.
Check out our events calendar > [https://nesa.com.au/calendar/action~posterboard/cat_ids~5,7,4,6,8,61,78,62,79,76,80,75,63,77,81/request_format~html/]
Events include:
– Coaching Programs
Coaching programs are delivered over a series of online training sessions using virtual classroom technology to create an interactive learning environment. They provide opportunities to share knowledge and experience and to apply learning back in the workplace.
– Webinars
Ideal for remote access, NESA’s webinar series explores topics relevant to the full range of employment services practitioners, from frontline consultants right up to upper management. Our expert facilitators cover interactional and work-skills issues, handling conflict and challenging situations, to improving engagement, reverse marketing and post-placement support.
– Workshops
Our workshops are conducted in house, or on the NESA premises. They are half-day or full day sessions with a focus on participative learning, that give participants practical skills in a hands-on and supportive learning environment.
NESA CONSULTING
NESA Consulting services have continued to provide professional support across the employment services sector. With the sector experiencing significant change over the last twelve months, the value of professional and expert guidance has never been more important. NESA has an established national network of industry experts that have worked alongside providers throughout the year delivering professional support in key areas including:
– tender support
– project management
– development and introduction of good practice guides
– introduction of organisational quality frameworks
– development of Indigenous Employment Strategies
– introduction of frontline staff core competency strategies
– workforce development strategies including
– frontline development training
– governance development
– support in strategic planning
The requirements of our Members are diverse and through our national network, NESA has been able to successfully deliver cost-effective and practical solutions for many of our Members throughout the year.
SUPPORTING REMOTE AUSTRALIA
The Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) Training
Over the past twelve months, NESA has continued to deliver the Remote School Attendance Strategy Training across remote Australia, delivering 53 RSAS training workshops, engaging 52 RSAS sites. Workshops delivered have included Tailored Local Workshops, Regional Clustered Leadership Workshops, Train the Trainer Workshops and a number of supplementary workshops.
Over 453 RSAS staff have accessed this training throughout the year, equipping the RSAS workforce with valuable skills to increase Indigenous school attendance across remote Australia. NESA has successfully led and delivered the RSAS Training Project and we are very proud of the work that RSAS workers do every day.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA)
NESA Solutions has continued to deliver the critically important training of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) across remote Australia. As of the 30 June 2019, NESA Solutions has delivered over 350 AMHFA workshops across remote Australia with over 5250 remote workers and community members attending. NESA Solutions has successfully delivered AMHFA training in every Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) and Community Development Program (CDP) location across remote Australia. Across these locations we have successfully engaged RSAS and CDP workers while also extending the training out to other important community programs including the Community Night Patrol (CNP) and School Nutrition Program (SNP) providers to equip frontline staff with the skills they need to respond to mental health issues in their communities.
In addition to supporting frontline staff NESA Solutions has also implemented 15 community wide AMHFA training programs encompassing all stakeholders in selected communities. To date NESA Solutions has worked across the following 15 nominated communities – Groote Eylandt, Santa Teresa, Lake Evella and Wadeye in the NT, Kowanyama, Yarrabah, Doomadgee and Cherbourg in QLD, APY Lands and Whyalla in SA; the Far South Coast, Parkes and Clarence Valley in NSW; to Derby and Balgo in WA.
NESA Solutions has successfully implemented the training in over 120 different remote communities ensuring that this valuable training has been accessible to all communities. NESA Solutions has recently been engaged to continue this important training for a further two years where we will aim to deliver over 500 AMHFA workshops by 30 June 2021.
Indigenous Money Health Project
This year NESA Solutions was funded by the Ecstra Foundation to develop and introduce a brand new Indigenous financial literacy project across remote and regional Australia. The project has commenced with the initial literature review completed and the identification of a project focus group. The objectives of the Indigenous Money Health project includes supporting up to 250 frontline employment staff who work directly with their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) job seekers and community members to have a stronger understanding of Indigenous financial literacy.
FINANCIALS
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2019
Download the full Financial Report (PDF 2.5MB)
[https://annualreport.nesa.com.au/2019/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/11/NESA_Annual_Report_2018-19_Financials.pdf]
MEMBERSHIP – Become a NESA Member
Get behind the scenes of Australia’s world leading employment services
NESA Members deliver a broad range of employment programs.
BECOME A NESA MEMBER
Not for profit, community, private and public sector organisations who are actively engaged in the delivery of Australian employment and related services are eligible to apply for NESA membership.
PROGRAMS COVERED BY NESA MEMBERS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
– jobactive
– Disability Employment Services (DES)
– Community Development Program (CDP)
– Transition to Work
– ParentsNext
– Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC)
– Skills for Education and Employment (SEE)
– Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
– New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)
NESA Members
Many NESA Members are also involved in the delivery of state government funded employment programs and/or are Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). There are also NESA Members who deliver a range of other social welfare, community and health, recruitment, education and training services as well as social enterprises.
NESA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION [https://nesa.com.au/nesa-membership/]
CONTACT US
National Employment Services Association Limited
ACN: 079 065 428 / ABN: 69 079 065 428
MELBOURNE
Level 2,
20-22 Albert Road
SOUTH MELBOURNE
VIC AUSTRALIA 3205
+61 3 9624 2300
SYDNEY
Level 1,
33-35 Belmont Street
SUTHERLAND
NSW AUSTRALIA 2232
+61 2 9119 3090
NESA acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional owners of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land and sea. We pay our respects to their culture and to their elders, past, present and emerging.
Copyright © 2019 NESA Annual Report 2019 | All Rights Reserved.