QUARTERLY REPORT - Services for Australian Rural and Remote
QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Objectives & Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Stakeholders Members 1. SARRAH increases the number of members as well as those that actively participate in the organisation. KPI’s Increase the number of full members – 10% per annum Convert non-SARRAH members completing scholars per funding round to SARRAH members – 20% per annum Achievements Membership SARRAH had 127 full members, 109 student members and 3 corporate members (2 are Tier 1 members and 1 is Tier 2) as at 31/03/15 compared to 139 full members 101 student members and 1 corporate member as at 31/12/14. SARRAH converted 14 scholars and 0 Assessors/Supervisors to become SARRAH members during the quarter. E-Newsletters Produce and distribute monthly e-Newsletters – 10 per annum Increase annual member participation in: Facebook Group numbers, posted views and responses SARRAH distributed 3 monthly e-Bulletins during the period. In addition, 1 post Board meeting Communiqué was distributed. Facebook The number of Facebook likes increased over the quarter, from 1118 at the end of 2014 to 1,204 as at 31 March 2015. Most popular posts were: 16/01/15 “Hayley Willis is fully occupied. An Occupational Therapist and mother of a young baby. . . . ”(photo) – 678 reached 26/02/15 “Are you a rural or remote based allied health provider? Do you deliver services to children.... ” (status) – 599 reached 04/03/15 “The CEO of SARRAH, Rod Wellington, today met with and presented to the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Rural and Remote Allied Health at Parliament House.“ (photo) - 2,346 reached 23/03/15 “Thinking of attending a conference, short course or other eligible CPD activity?” (photo) – 1,067 reached G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 1 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Objectives & Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Stakeholders (cont’d) Members 2. SARRAH increases the number of members as well as those that actively participate in the organisation. Achievements Twitter KPI’s Increase annual member participation in: - Twitter activity - tweets and retweets - Working groups, external and internal (excluding Board, SAC & Audit) committees - SARRAH Conferences/Summits - SARRAH Surveys Twitter supported SARRAH’s main advocacy activity during the quarter. 2 Tweets were published by SARRAH and they were: “Rod Wellington SARRAH CEO at Rural & Remote Parliamentary Friendship Group on the lack of AHP in remote Oz (report 1)” 04.03.15 (One retweet) “Rod Wellington SARRAH CEO at Rural & Remote Parliamentary Friendship Group on the lack of AHP in remote Oz (report 2). 04.03.15 (Three retweets and one favourite) Working Groups Three internal working groups including: Membership Recruitment and Marketing, Member Engagement, Financial Diversification did not convene during the quarter. A Working Group established to respond to the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework met during the quarter. SARRAH publicly released 2 research project reports at a meeting of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Rural and Remote Allied Health on 4/3/15. The reports were developed under the Australian National University Internship Program (ANUIP). Details of the reports follow: - Investigating the Efficacy of Allied Health: Reducing and Improving Outcomes in the Treatment of Diabetes, Osteoarthritis and Stroke; and - Mapping Rural and Remote Early Childhood Intervention Therapy Services. SARRAH Conference/Summit SARRAH commenced approaching a number of organisations seeking sponsorship for the 2015 Summit. SARRAH Surveys No surveys were conducted by SARRAH during the quater. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 2 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Objectives & Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Stakeholders (cont’d) Achievements Health Reforms 3. SARRAH continues as a leader to advocate at all levels of Government and with other key stakeholders for reforms of health services to improve health outcomes in rural and remote Australia. Ministerial, Departmental and Parliamentary meetings KPIs Attend meetings with the Minister for Health and/or Office Advisors - 2 per annum Attend meetings with the key Department of Health staff - 4 per annum Contact Members of Parliament responsible for health portfolios - 8 per annum Provide submissions to relevant health related federal government enquiries - 80% per annum Report on number and type of industry stakeholder group meetings attended including AAHF and NRHA – 20 per annum Report on number of policy/position papers developed including federal/state election platforms – 5 per annum Report on number of media campaigns including media releases developed in response to government policy and programs. SARRAH has been active in this areas with a range of meetings: A meeting was convened with Minister Ley’s Senior Advisor and a separate meeting with Minister Nash’s Advisor (2 YTD). A workshop on allied health priorities and a separate presentation by the Chief Allied Health Officer (3 YTD). A meeting was held with Minister Morrison’s Advisor and a separate meeting with Senator Di Natale (6 YTD). Submissions Submissions were made to the following: The Treasurer on the Federal Budget 2015-16. APHCRI on the Future Directions Discussion Paper. The Department of Health on the National Framework for Health Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Families. The Department of Health South Australia on the Transforming Health Proposals Paper. All are published on the SARRAH website. Industry Meetings A complete list of meetings attended is at attachment A. Policy/Position papers No papers were developed during the reporting period. SARRAH was not able to prepare election platforms for the Queensland and NSW State elections due to capacity constraints. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 3 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Objectives& Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Health Reforms Stakeholders Achievements Media Campaigns (cont’d) A successful media campaign was conducted around the launch of the two reports at the Parliamentary Friends of Rural and Remote Allied Health meeting. Two media releases (7 YTD) were issued: - Report reveals rural children miss out on early intervention 4.3.15, - Forgotten health providers are key to healing patients and budgets 4.3.15 A Press Conference was held at Parliament House. Articles in Tasmania Times, Medical Observer, Pharmacy Daily, and PHCRIS were generated on the ANUIP reports. Further articles and interviews have been generated related to the NAHSSS with: ABC Country Hour, ABC Orange, Kalgoorlie Miner, Sunday Telegraph, Ballina Shire Advocate In total 9 articles including 5 interviews were generated during the quarter (11 YTD incl 6 interviews). Workforce 4. SARRAH supports a workforce which is essential to addressing health inequality for residents of rural and remote communities. KPIs Participate in National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN) and other forums – 3 per annum. Attend Australian Allied Health Forum meetings - 3 per annum Participate in Medicare Local Stakeholder Forums - 5 per annum Report on number of project steering committee/advisory group meetings attended annually. A complete list of meetings attended is at attachment A 1 meeting was held during the period (3 YTD) No meetings were attended during the period (5 YTD) A complete list of meetings attended is at attachment A. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 4 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Objectives& Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Internal Business Processes Corporate Governance 5. SARRAH maintains mechanisms to support accountable and transparent governance procedures including planning, financial management and reporting. KPI’s - Strategic , Annual Operational and Risk Management Plans - Board meetings at least 4 per year including 1 face to face meeting - Advisory Committee meetings at least 4 per year - Audit Committee meetings at least 10 per year - Secretariat staff meetings at least 10 per year - Performance monitoring. KPI’s Corporate Governance Charter The annual review of the Corporate Governance Charter was completed in September 2014. Regular activities are conducted in accordance with the charter. Review SARRAH’s Corporate Governance Charter annually Report on implementation of the Corporate Governance Charter including, but not restricted to: Projects and Programs 6. SARRAH maintains efficient administrative systems to effectively manage projects and programs. Achievements The Risk Management plan is monitored regularly by the Audit Committee. 1 Board meeting was held during the period (5 YTD). 1 Advisory Committee meeting was held during the period (3 YTD) 3 Audit Committee meetings were held during the period (5 YTD) 2 staff meetings were held during the period (7 YTD) Performance monitoring occurred regularly through the completion and submission of reports against key performance indicators. Projects and Programs Implement funded projects in accordance with individual funding agreements including reporting requirements Review and implement annual project plans Review SAPS and MYOB systems annually to maintain data accuracy. Projects and Programs are monitored regularly to ensure they are managed in accordance with funding agreements and project plans. A report on 2 funded projects NAHSSS and NRRSS is at attachment B The financial management of projects and programs is maintained through the SARRAH financial management processes. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 5 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Objectives & Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) People, Learning and Development Human Resources 7. SARRAH recruits, fosters and values highly trained staff. Achievements Human Resources KPI’s Review SARRAH Human Resource Policy annually and inform staff of results The annual review of the HR Policy was completed in the December quarter. All staff were required to complete and sign a checklist to verify that they have read SARRAH’s current corporate documents including its HR policies. 2014-15 performance appraisals for employees other than the CEO will occur during May/June 2015 Training Complete performance management reviews for all staff annually Implement a minimum of 1 activity in every staff learning agreement per annum The following training was completed by SARRAH staff during the quarter: - Evaluating the Board, training course conducted by AICD (CEO) 2 staff completed membership database and Website administration training conducted by Agileware (SARRAH’s IT provider) 3 staff completed a one day training course on Emotional Intelligence at Work conducted by Learn4Results. Maintain a staff retention rate - 75% per annum. Staff Movements The staff retention rate for the quarter was 71% which was due to the departure of 4 staff during the period, three who resigned and one who retired: - Louise Pemble, Communications Officer, accepted a position in the - - public service and resigned on 1 January 2015. This position has not been filled. Cecilia Moar, the NRRSS Project Manager resigned on 9 January 2015 and Terence Jansen, the NRRSS Project Assistant took on this role. Cate Patrick, Administrative Assistance, accepted a position in the public service and resigned on 12 March 2015. Holly Coates was recruited to this position and commenced on 25 March 2015. Ruth Hawkings the Business Manager retired. A Deputy CEO position was created and Anne Buck recruited to this position. She commenced on 23 March 2015. Also during the quarter, a temporary employee was recruited to assist with the NRRSS project on a 5 week contract. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 6 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Objectives & Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) People, Learning and Development (cont’d) Achievements Information and Knowledge Management 8. SARRAH maintains effective information technology and knowledge management systems to improve performance, retain corporate knowledge, and provide a resource for all stakeholders. KPI’s Maintain IT operating network using the latest version of software Review and maintain all Procedural Manuals annually Ensure all staff are able to access corporate information. All IT system software is upgraded as new versions become available Procedural Manuals are updated when and if changes occur during the year SARRAH’s corporate information is accessible by all staff through the common G-drive and hardcopy. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 7 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Current Business Issues Stakeholders Internal Business Processes People, Learning and Development Future Milestones 1. Increase SARRAH’s Individual and Corporate Membership base 2. Continue to use the functionality of the Membership database to improve membership services. 3. Continue to identify private sector funding sources to support SARRAH activities. 1. Monitor the introduction of the Primary Health Networks 2. Monitor outcomes from the 2015 Federal Budget 3. Continue to assist States and the NT to coordinate meetings and other activities. 4. Continue discussions with the Department to maintain SARRAH’s current administration arrangements of the NAHSSS 5. Identify alternate funding sources to support the continuation of the NRRSS 6. Develop strategies to promote and receive funds as an Australian Taxation Office Deductable Gift Recipient 7. Continue to enhance SARRAH’s financial reporting systems 8. Continue reviewing SARRAH’s Human Resources Policies. 4. Commence planning for the 2015 SARRAH Summit 5. Provide input and support, where possible, to SARRAH’s Working Groups 6. Continue reviewing the SAPS (IT) functionality particularly the: - reporting capabilities used to support the administration of the NAHSSS - commissioning of an Electronic Records Management System. 9. Regularly update staff on any developments in the NAHSSS funding agreement and the impact on their employment arrangements. 7. Continue to review SARRAH’s human resource policies ensuring alignment with the NES and private sector local labour market conditions 8. Implement the 2014-15 Staff Training and Development calendar. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 8 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Attachment A – Forums Attended 13 January - SARRAH Conference Organising Committee Handover Meeting via teleconference 23 January - SARRAH Audit Committee Meeting via teleconference 3 February - Minister Morrison's Senior Advisor Meeting in Canberra 9 February - SARRAH Managers Meeting in Canberra 10 February - SARRAH Staff Meeting in Canberra 11 February - Climate and Health Alliance Meeting via teleconference 13 February - SARRAH Audit Committee Meeting via teleconference 17 February - Medicare Australia Stakeholder Consultative Group Meeting in Canberra 23 February - National Rural Health Alliance Council Meeting via teleconference 24 February - Remote Area Health Corp Function in Canberra 24 February - SARRAH Board Meeting via teleconference 25 February - General Practice NSW Primary Health Care Leaders Forum in Sydney 27 February - SARRAH Northern Territory Members' Meeting via teleconference 3 March - Royal Far West Meeting in Canberra 4 March - Senator Richard Di Natale Meeting in Canberra 4 March - Parliamentary Friendship Group for Rural & Remote Allied Health presentation in Canberra 4 March - GP NSW delegation with Federal Parliamentarians in Canberra 5 March - Lowitja Institute launch at Parliament House in Canberra 5 March - Royal Flying Doctor Service function in Canberra 11 March - SARRAH Conference Organising Committee meeting via teleconference G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 9 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 12 March - Bush Service Support External Roundtable Meeting via teleconference 17 March - Australian National University Internship Program 21st Anniversary Dinner at Parliament House in Canberra 18-19 March - SARRAH Board Interviews via teleconference 20 March - SARRAH Audit Committee Meeting via teleconference 25 March - Australian Allied Health Forum Meeting via teleconference 25 March - Department of Health Workshop - Allied Health Priorities in Canberra 26 March - National Allied Health Advisory Committee Meeting with Chief Allied Health Officer in Canberra 27 March - NRRSS Expert Reference Group Meeting via teleconference G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 10 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Attachment B – Funded Projects Project 1 - Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme (NAHSSS) Background The NAHSSS was established as a measure under the 2009-10 Federal Budget which consolidated a range of existing programs promoting access to tertiary education, professional development support and clinical placements for nurses and allied health students and profes sionals. The Australian Government aims to build on workforce programs to ensure they better align with, and are able to respond to, the needs of health professionals to train and practise, particularly in clinical areas and locations of particular need. The allied health component of the NAHSSS is administered by SARRAH on behalf of the Commonwealth Department of Health (the Department). SARRAH has a Funding Agreement to administer the allied health component of the NAHSSS until the end of June 2015. From 2013 additional scholarships were made available and awarded under the Tasmania allied scholarship initiative. These scholarships are specifically for Tasmanian-based applicants to undertake study or activities and applicants from across Australia to undertake a Clinical Placements within Tasmania, There is no funding for new Tasmanian specific scholarships after 30 June 2015. For 2014-15, SARRAH is administering an additional 92 scholarships announced in the 2014 -15 Budget targeting people who are from a rural or remote area or who work in an identified area of clinical need including primary care, aged care, mental health as well as Indigenous health services. Within the allied health component of NAHSSS there are five scholarship programs and they include Clinical Placement, Clinica l Psychology, Continuing Professional Development, Postgraduate and Undergraduate Entry-Level. Eligible Health Professions The current eligible allied health professions include Aboriginal Health Worker (Cert IV and above only), Audiology, Chinese Medicine; Chiropractic; Dental & Oral Health; Dietetics & Nutrition; Exercise Physiology (ESSA approved only); Genetic Counselling (Postgraduate study only); Medical Radiation Science including medical imaging, nuclear medicine technology and radiation therapy; Occupational Therapy; Optometry; Orthoptics; Osteopathy; Paramedic; Pharmacy (Postgraduate only); G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 11 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Physiotherapy; Podiatry; Prosthetics and Orthotics; Psychology; Social Work (Australian Association of Social Workers approved courses only); Speech Pathology and Sonography. Budget In 2014-15 the Scholarships Program budget is: - Administration - $1,295,113 (GST exclusive). SARRAH employs three full-time Scholarship Managers, two full-time Scholarship Assistants and two part-time Scholarship Assistants to administer the five scholarship streams. - Scholarships - $11,004,274.44 (GST exclusive). Actual scholarship funds allocated is $11,768,000 which includes accrued interest and uncommitted funds from earlier rounds. As at 30 June 2014 SARRAH held $16.3 million in committed funds for ongoing scholar payments from 1 July 2014 until 31 December Postgraduate till 2020 and Undergraduate till 2022. Achievements As at 31 March 2015 the five scholarships streams had 834 ongoing scholars. Four of the scholarship streams open once a year (August/September) for scholarships to commence in the following calendar year. The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) stream opens twice per year (in August for activities commencing in the first half of the next calendar year; and in April for activities commencing in the last half of the calendar year). The applications for 2015 scholarship streams closed during October 2014. Scholarship Streams Eligible Applications received Expected number to be awarded from the 2015 opening round Clinical Placements 1454 221 Clinical Psychology 271 75 CPD 278 (1st round only) 59 (1st round only) Postgraduate 402 203 Undergraduate Entry-level 665 167 Total 3,070 725 G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 12 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 SARRAH received additional funding in 2014-15 to administer 92 scholarships for scholars from rural and remote Australia or in identified areas of need including primary care, aged care, mental health and Indigenous Health Service. The following tables indicate how this scholarship funding was distributed. Original Allocation Scholarships Accepted Clinical Placement 10 10 Postgraduate 28 51 36 (18 per round in 2015) 18 (1st round only) 18 22 92 101 CPD Undergraduate Total G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 13 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 Project 2 - National Rural and Remote Support Services (NRRSS) Background The NRRSS has been funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) under the Early Intervention Services for Children with a Disability Program with the purpose of supporting the delivery of the Better Start for Children with Disability (Better Start) initiative and the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) programs. Families with children under the age of seven years who have a disability or developmental delay can receive funding under either the Better Start initiative or HCWA package. Allied Health Professionals registered with the DSS deliver Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) to improve cognitive, emotional and social development before a child starts school. SARRAH assists allied health providers to manage the challenges inherent in delivering services in rural settings. Rural ECI therapists experience professional and social isolation, few continuing professional development opportunities and a lack of sustainable service delivery models. As part of the Operational Guidelines of the funding agreement with the DSS, SARRAH: Provides mentoring and supervision to providers in rural and remote areas; Conducts research on models of service delivery that are effective in rural and remote locations; Works collaboratively with Carers Australia and Autism Associations to map service coverage and identify service coverage gaps; Develops and promote strategies to address service coverage gaps such as improved recruitment methodologies and exploring the use of technology; and Supports rural and remote early intervention professionals to apply to register with the DSS Early Intervention Service Provider Panel. Eligible Health Professions The DSS funds the following registered members of the ECI Panel: physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, optometrist, orthoptist, dietician or teacher of the deaf. Other eligible ECI specialists include: orientation and mobility instructor, teacher of the vision impaired, special education teacher, orthotist, conductor (conductive education) and social worker when working as part of a multidisciplinary practice. ECI specialists are trained and experienced in working with children with one or more of the disabilities listed under the Better Start and HCWA programs. They have the knowledge and skills required for special needs. ECI specialists are practitioners registered with their relevant professional organisation. Project Budget The project budget is $450,000 over two years, commencing in June 2013. The current funding for the NRRSS ceases at 30 June 2015 and SARRAH has been advised by DSS that funding will not be renewed for the program. Project Outcomes For the period 1 January to 31 March 2015 the NRRSS has achieved the following: My Outreach Ally was launched on 13 March 2015 and is intended to display both the practice and outreach locations of allied health professionals who are a member of the NRRSS. The service currently has 163 locations listed. In April another 157 outreach locations and 134 practice locations will be loaded onto the system. It is hoped that My Outreach Ally will form the basis of a future program focused on identifying and coordinating demand for allied health services in rural and remote Australia. The NRRSS project team contacted approximately 309 members of the NRRSS through a one to one communication campaign that ran for four weeks between February and March 2015. As a result of this campaign 12 NRRSS members were identified as seeking support for registration with DSS, outreach locations G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 14 of 15 QUARTERLY REPORT - ENDING 31 MARCH 2015 were added for 88 members and contact information updated for 134 members. The NRRSS project team convened a final meeting of the Expert Reference Group on 27 March 2015. Topics discussed at the meeting included: conclusion of the NRRSS, My Outreach Ally interactive maps and suggestions for a future program based on the NRRSS. Support documents to assist members with registering as an Early Intervention Service Provider with the DSS have been developed and provided to members on request. The support documents provide NRRSS members with step by step guidance for completing the application form and preparing procedures for the business that support their application. Project Concluding Activities On 30 June 2015 the NRRSS program will conclude. The following program activities will contribute to the conclusion of the NRRSS: Continue providing support to register with the DSS Early Intervention Service Provider Panel until the end of May 2015; Identify alternate sources of funding that may be able to facilitate the continuation of the core activities of the NRRSS; Prepare final program report for NRRSS including circulation of draft report to the Deputy CEO and CEO for review; and Organise an audit of the NRRSS and prepare final acquittal report for the program. G:\Meetings & Conferences\SARRAH Committee Meetings\Board\14-15\09 - 28.4.15\Item 9 - Quarterly Report to March 15.docx Page 15 of 15
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