The newly established Office for the Community Sector (OCS) is located at 188 Collins Street, Hobart (Plaza level, Block 1, Housing Tasmania office).
The Office has initially focused on establishing its own resources including staff, premises and equipment. In addition it has undertaken broad consultation with both Government and community sector organisations to ensure it understands current processes and issues.
Three major activities have already commenced:
- The DHHS engaged Quality Management Services (QMS) to report on current quality management frameworks operating in non-government services and to make recommendations for the introduction of a workable model in Tasmania. Through the Agency Sector Forum (ASF) and ASF Quality and Safety Reference Group the OCS have commenced a consultation process with the Tasmanian community sector regarding the QMS Report. Feedback is required by Close of Business Friday, 27 June 2008.
- Working closely with all Operational Units in DHHS and community sector peak bodies, the OCS has developed the “Office for the Community Sector Draft Strategic Plan 2008-2010” and now seeking Stakeholder feedback. Click here to view the letter from the Secretary, DHHS inviting feedback and advising of the ways to provide feedback (including regional forums). Feedback is due by Close of Business Monday, 4 August 2008.’
- The OCS has commenced a comprehensive review of the current Grants Program. It is anticipated that over the next 12 months significant modifications in relation to its operating framework will commence. This will see the transitional development of new policies, procedures, templates, service agreements, education and training, information management and resource allocation formulas. The core principle of this review is to ensure that the funds provided by the DHHS are accurately targeted to community needs and that clearly identified health and human outcomes are identified, monitored and measured.
TasCOSS Fairer Futures Conference will be held in Hobart from 29-31 October 2008. The DHHS is a major sponsor of this conference.