Finance and Performance Unit
Formerly named the "Grants Unit"
The Finance and Performance Unit is an Operational Unit of the Office for the Community Sector, within the DHHS Human Services Group.
Key outputs of the Finance and Performance Unit include:
- Administration of service agreements with community organisations including preparation of agreements, processing of grant payments and monitoring compliance with the terms of the service agreement;
- Administration of the Heating Allowance Scheme, including processing enquiries and applications and processing payments to eligible recipients; and
- Administration of the Community Services Activity Agreement with Aurora Energy for the provision of electricity concessions to eligible pensioners and Health Care Card holders.
The Finance and Performance Unit administers funding to community organisations through a number of programs, including:
- Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP);
- Disability Services;
- Home & Community Care (HACC);
- Mental Health Services;
- Palliative Care Services;
- Population Health;
- Alcohol and Drugs Services;
- Aged, Rural and Community Health;
- Neighbourhood Houses
- Family Support Services;
- Community Support; and
- Youth Health.
Service Agreements
Only incorporated community sector organisations that have signed a service agreement with the DHHS receive funding through the Finance and Performance Unit .
The length of DHHS service agreements vary between one and three years, depending on the particular circumstances relating to the program and its sources of funding, and the funded organisation.
Service agreements are based on a template which comprises five schedules setting out funding arrangements, accounting and reporting, asset management, a range of general administrative matters, and services to be delivered.
The Service Agreement Template sets out standard clauses for Schedules 1 to 5. For Schedule 5 'dealing with services to be delivered' only headings are included in the template. The precise contents of each Schedule 5 heading will differ depending on the nature of the service and the Department's specific requirements.
The Service Agreement Explanatory Notes provide a more detailed explanation of the provisions of the service agreement and the financial accountability requirements detailed in the notes form part of the agreement itself. When read in conjunction with the service agreement, they document for each funded organisation the full extent of its obligations when it signs a service agreement with the Department.
A Guide to Schedule 5 of the Service Agreement for the Community Sector aims to assist organisations in understanding the requirements for preparation of service agreements. It focuses on Schedule 5 of the Agreement, 'Services to be Delivered,' the meaning of the Schedule 5 clauses and what is to be provided under each clause. While focusing on Schedule 5, the Guide also provides some guidance as to the information that is to be provided on page 3 of the Agreement.
Financial Reporting Obligations under Standard Service Agreement
Service Agreements require funded organisations to provide the DHHS with the following financial reports by the indicated dates:
An audited annual financial accountability report showing income and expenditure for each funded service to be received by the Finance and Performance Unit by 31 October each year; and
A set of audited financial statements for the organisation as a whole to be received by 31 October each year.
Organisations are also required to provide a copy of their annual report (including audited financial statements) by 30 November each year.
Two proformas are available for preparing the annual financial accountability report - one for organisations using a cash accounting system and the other for organisations using accrual based systems.
Organisations requiring guidance on financial reporting requirements should read the relevant section of the Service Agreement Explanatory notes. Organisations that do not provide financial reports by the due date are in breach of their service agreements and may have their funding payments suspended.
Guidance Material for Funded Organisations
Guidance material which has been prepared by the Finance and Performance Unit for funded organisations is provided below: