Welcome to thisEdition. 

The Skills Board is currently buzzing with activity. In addition to the numerous consultative activities the organisation is involved in, two of our projects, in the non-government Disability and community Mental Health sectors, are rolling out key activities for organisations and RTOs in the next few months.  Also the Allied Health project, developed in partnership with the Department of Health, has now commenced with the appointment of Kerryn Smith as Project Manager.

Of course the planning & organisation for the inaugural Human Services at Work Conference and Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development, to be held on 22 May, is a major focus of activity. The Awards nominations close on 17 March so if you are intending to enter make sure you get started on your application now!

The validation road show for the Community Services Training Package was in Adelaide last week.  If you missed the workshops you still have the opportunity to put forward your view to the Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council before 31 March 2008.

We also have a new Board member to welcome and one to thank. Firstly I would like to thank Jennifer Duncan who contributed a great deal to the Board in her role as SACOSS nominee and as Deputy Chairperson.  Replacing Jennifer as the SACOSS nominee on the Board I have the pleasure in welcoming Leigh Garret who has already displayed enthusiasm for the role that the Skills Board undertakes.

Rob Bonner
Chairperson

Human Services at Work Conference  developing people - sustaining our workforce

The program for the inaugural Human Services at Work Conference has now been finalised.  The conference, which is being held at the National Wine Centre on 22 May 2008, is a great opportunity for delegates to hear the views of experts, academics and key decision makers on the major issues impacting our sector.  Please click here for a full program and to register for the conference. 

Human Services at Work Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development

Nominations are now open for the inaugural Human Services at Work Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development.  The awards will be presented at a dinner at the National Wine Centre on 22 May 2008.    Please click here  for more information on the awards and to register for the dinner

Sue Baker - COAG RPL Coach and Mentor

Sue Baker has been appointed as one of a small group of RPL coaches and mentors in SA, as part of a National COAG RPL project.  As part of that group she will be working with the CS&H sector during 2008.

In this coaching and mentoring role Sue is keen to make contact with industry bodies, organisations, workplaces and RTOs (with an emphasis on private and enterprise RTOs) to discuss RPL practice and its connection to workforce development.

Key focuses for her project work will be to:

• increase offer and uptake of RPL across the sector and within RTOs
• document best practice in RPL as a workforce development tool
• connect industry projects to responsive RTO partnerships
• provide or connect industy and RTO staff with PD activities on RPL practice

You may receive correspondence via Skills Board networks on some of these issues, but if you'd like to discuss such opportunities and make use of Sue's expertise in RPL practice during 2008 please contact her on 8522 0305 or sue.baker@tafesa.edu.au

Disability Sector Workforce Development (DSWD)

The DSWD project aims to promote workforce development within the non-government disability sector, to support leadership development, strengthen industry-RTO links, assist attraction and retention of new workers, and promote best practice employment models.

Following a consultation forum held in October 2007 to identify leadership needs three programs have been devised to support leadership development.

The Leadership Development Network (LDN) program is designed for the senior managers in the Community Services sector and provides learning through problem solving of the real issues that are brought to the table by group members. It is strategically focused and provides additional individual support

In collaboration with TAFESA an accredited 10 day  Leadership Development Program has been developed specifically for the leaders in the Community Services sector. 

The Skills Board has invited Kevin Paton from the UK to run an intensive organisation development Change Management Workshop.  Kevin is an expert on OD/Change Management issues and has presented in Adelaide previously in conjunction with Flinders University.

For more information contact the Project Officer Rosh Devi

Community Mental Health Workforce Development Project

Demystifying the new mental health qualification in the Community Service Training Package is the focus of a workshop to be held on the 18th March for the Mental Health sector.  This is one of a number of initiatives in the Mental Health project.  Others include the development of a handbook for frontline workers, engaging with RTOs to adopt the recovery model and deliver the Cert IV Mental Health Work (non clinical), and the development of an induction resource and support for new workers through a mentors network.

For more information contact Project Manager Diana MacMullin

Allied Health Workforce Reform Project

The Health Training Packages HLT07 included new Cert IV Allied Health qualifications.  This project will support the development and implementation of these new and emerging roles in allied health and support the role of allied health professionals.  The project has been developed in partnership with the Department of Health and will look to encourage reform, not only across the public sector but also in private health and not-for-profit organisations in South Australia.

Kerryn Smith commenced as Project Manager in January and a Steering Committee has been appointed.  The project will run over two years.

The Disability, Mental Health & Allied Health projects have been funded by the Government of South Australia through the South Australia Works initiative.  The Australian Government has contributed to the Allied Health project under the Council of Australian Government's Skills Package - Regional Initiatives (Targeting Skills Needs In Regions programme)

Leadership Development Network Breakfast

The Skills Board is hosting a free breakfast to introduce the Leadership Development Network.   The breakfast will be held on the 11th March 8-9.00am. Click here to book or here for more details

Change Management Training

This program, facilitated by Kevin Paton, is taking place 21st-25th July 2008.  More details will be available on our website soon.

CSHISC Adelaide HLT07 Workshops

The CSHISC is holding a series of workshops designed to assist in 'Moving Forward with Delivery and Assessment Strategies for the HLT07'.  The Adelaide workshops are being held on the 4, 5 & 6 March 2008.  Click here for more information and to register for the workshops

Julia Farr Association Workshops

Julia Farr Association is hosting a series of workshops around South Australia with Dr Simon Duffy. Simon is Chief Executive of influential UK-based agency In Control. Simon was recently described in the UK's Guardian newspaper as "the man whose ideas are shaking up social care". He is the 2007 recipient of the Prince Albert Medal for his work.  Each workshop will cover one of the following topics: Innovations in Individual Funding, Person-centred Support, and
Keys to Citizenship.  Please click here for the workshops schedule

Alison Oullette
Also, in conjunction with the Community Living Project, the Julia Farr Association is hosting two workshops with Alison Ouellette from Canada. She is a parent and advocate, and author of A Place Called Home, which tells the story of her family's journey in supporting her son, who lives with complex disability, to move into his own home and career. Alison is the 2007 recipient of the Family Leadership Award from Family Alliance Ontario.

For more information please contact JFA on 8373 8300

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