Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Capability Statement
Supporting people, strengthening communities
5 June 2014
Sense of Self, Sense of Place,
Sense of Purpose, Sense of Belonging
2 United Synergies Capability Statement
Table of Contents
About Us ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Our Location ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
What we do .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Programs and Services .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Our Approach ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Our Vision ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Our Values ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Our Mission....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Our Approach ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
For Individuals and Families ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Custom Support ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
For the Sector ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Our Facilities ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
How We Operate ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Governance and Management ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Compliance and Risk Management ............................................................................................................................... 12
3 United Synergies Capability Statement
About Us
United Synergies is a not for profit organisation that provides direct services and support to individuals (and
in particular young people), families and communities, to assist them in achieving their full potential.
We work with our clients to help them achieve stability and security in their lives, along with a sense of
wellbeing. We work directly with those in need, but also provide advice, consultancy and partnership
opportunities to other agencies and government.
Each year we support more than 2500 people in diverse locations and communities. While we pride
ourselves in responding to emerging needs in new locations, we remain grounded and guided by our values
and vision for our clients.
Our values were formed in the founding of our organisation more than 25 years ago, through the dedication
and determination of a local community committed to providing better support to young people who were
homeless. Today our supported accommodation programs are part of a larger integrated suite of services,
covering all ages in a joined up model which includes education, employment and training support, health
and wellbeing services as well as specialist services such as our StandBy suicide bereavement response
service.
4 United Synergies Capability Statement
Our Location
United Synergies provides its core services across the Sunshine Coast region of southeast Queensland with
a head office based in Tewantin. It also runs a youth engagement and community hub at Maroochydore,
from which the headspace Maroochydore service is delivered. This location provides physical and mental
health support, advice and referral for young people, as well as being home to a social enterprise coffee
shop providing practical work experience and employment opportunities and community engagement venue.
Our suicide bereavement and support program, StandBy, delivered in 17 communities across the country.
5 United Synergies Capability Statement
What we do
Programs and Services
Social and vocational engagement
Individual assistance to increase engagement, educational attainment and workplace participation
Care, accommodation and transition services
Providing safe and supportive care, housing, respite and transition to independent living
Youth support programs
Working in partnership with local schools to ensure young people stay connected to their education
Parent support programs
Equipping parents and carers with the skills and support required to ensure their children have the best start
in life
Suicide prevention and bereavement support
Providing suicide prevention and bereavement support via the StandBy program to communities and
individuals dealing with the tragedy of suicide
Mentoring
The Connect2Mentoring program connects young people with talented and experienced people in our
community
Health and wellbeing support and referral
Providing advice, support, assessment and treatment of social, emotional and mental health issues
Social enterprise initiatives
Engaging with local community through initiatives that provide a commercial community service, training and
work experience opportunities and funding to re-invest into further support programs
Work experience
Working with employers to secure specialised work placement for young people
Volunteer management
Harnessing the talent and wealth of experience in our local community to support young people and the day
to day work undertaken by United Synergies
6 United Synergies Capability Statement
7 United Synergies Capability Statement
Our Approach
Our vision, values and mission guide the way we approach
our work and drive our decision making and strategic
planning. They are integral to who we are and what we do.
Our Vision
United Synergies operates at the frontline in providing
services and support to people and communities. We know
there are many people who need help; people who
experience unexpected challenges in their life, or people who
have lived through and with intolerable life experiences. Our
vision is about the people we support – that they may
experience a sense of self, sense of place, sense of purpose,
and sense of belonging. Our vision underpins our actions every day.
Our Mission
Our vision is about the
people we support – that
they may experience a
sense of self, sense of
place, sense of purpose,
and sense of belonging.
Our vision underpins our
actions every day.
Our Values
Wisdom and foresight
Meaningful partnerships
Continuously listening and
learning
Exemplary service
Sharing knowledge and
experience
Resourcefulness
Responsibility
8 United Synergies Capability Statement
Our Approach
For Individuals and Families
United Synergies has 25 years’ experience working with individuals (in particular young people) and families
who are facing challenges in their lives. We know that in many instances the challenges people face are
interrelated, and that a holistic, wrap-around approach is required to ensure people can get back on track
and continue to move towards achieving their goals.
United Synergies connects and engages with clients to be able to provide access to the full range of support
and services they may require.
We provide people with individualised support to address personal issues and provide practical assistance
with accommodation, education, training and employment. We encourage clients to develop case plans and
sustainable goals for the future, and help them overcome personal difficulties so they can participate, socially
and economically, in their local community.
We work with people on a case by case basis to ensure they stay connected to their goals and commitments
either by providing assistance with additional skills directly, or by working within our strong networks and
partnerships to deliver the most appropriate response to the individual’s needs.
United Synergies is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, including those
who use our services. Our workers will treat them with respect and understanding and address their
concerns at all times. Our organisation will endeavour to provide a safe and supportive service environment
for children and young people.
We support people by:
Assisting with accommodation solutions
Supporting young people in care and families and individuals who have experienced trauma
Dealing with personal, family or social issues (including suicide bereavement) which provide a barrier to personal development
Providing physical and mental health support (including drug and alcohol) for young people, delivered via a local headspace facility incorporating a GP, and other allied health professionals
Addressing legal and income support providing linkages, referrals and advocacy where required to ensure people can navigate the array of services available to them
Continuing education or training, navigating the pre-employment arena and the requirements of Government-based support systems
Providing parenting skills and support
Providing job search and readiness skills
Providing personal development, confidence building, resilience and communications skills
Addressing practical barriers to securing employment and accommodation such as driver licences and identification
9 United Synergies Capability Statement
Custom Support
We can also customise existing programs or tailor-make new programs to ensure we are genuinely meeting
the needs of our clients or those of our partner agencies.
We can offer fee-for-service solutions for schools and other support agencies to address the needs of their
students and clients. Examples include ‘train the trainer mentoring’ programs and youth support programs.
United Synergies has a strong track record in the training and development of personnel who work with
young people and families who are experiencing challenges in their lives. We can train staff in skills to
manage dealing with challenging behaviours through to suicide prevention and intervention. We can also
develop resources and material to assist organisations with skilling staff in these areas and can also
customise training to suit the needs of an organisation and its members and clients.
10 United Synergies Capability Statement
For the Sector
We recognise that social, economic and environmental conditions can have a strong influence on the
capacity of individuals and families to participate in their community and achieve a sense of purpose and
belonging.
Continued rapid population growth in many of the communities in which we work, combined with recent
economic upheaval, regularly stretches the limited resources and infrastructure beyond capacity. How we
determine, and then respond to often conflicting priorities of need is challenging – however we remain
flexible and responsive to these events and changing needs and continue to advocate on behalf of people
and communities that require our support.
We know that capability is improved when we work closely with partners and stakeholders. United Synergies
values the relationships with our partner organisations in the delivery of many of our programs – they
enhance the availability and quality of services and resources to people in need.
The staff of United Synergies is skilled in a wide range of services. They have a commitment to innovation in
their practice and to meeting professional and accountable standards in all areas of their work.
Our capability is improved when we work
closely with partners and stakeholders.
11 United Synergies Capability Statement
Our Facilities
We are flexible in where and how we deliver
services. Most of our programs and services
are run on the Sunshine Coast, however we
also are involved in programs across
Australia.
Locally, our custom-designed offices in
Tewantin and Maroochydore have facilities
such as training and meeting rooms, kitchen
areas and open spaces, and catering
solutions suitable for meetings. We are
happy to work with partners to determine the
best approach to program planning and
logistics, and ensure our services best meet
the needs of clients.
Above: Head Office at Ernest Street, Tewantin
Left and Above: headspace offices at Evans Street,
Maroochydore
12 United Synergies Capability Statement
How We Operate
Governance and Management
United Synergies is a company limited by guarantee and governed by a Board of Directors who provide ex gratia strategic advice, guidance and support to the organisation. United Synergies prides itself on having a model of governance that provides strategic leadership within a solid and accountable set of governance policies and procedures.
The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors
and is supported by a team of experienced program
managers (United Synergies’ Leadership Team).
The Program Managers oversee our key service
delivery areas.
Compliance and Risk Management
United Synergies is a licensed care provider (meeting the standards required under the Child Protection
Legislation) and understands the protocols and regulatory requirements associated with confidentiality,
management of client information, privacy and mandatory reporting requirements.
The organisation has an excellent track record in all areas of financial management and accountability. Our
financial reports and acquittals, prepared for internal and external clients are prepared on time and in
accordance with statutory requirements. Each year a detailed annual budget is prepared and submitted to
the Board for their consideration and approval.
United Synergies’ risk management is based on the constitution, strategic plan, and United Synergies’
policies and procedures. It includes finance, assets, human resources and service delivery and utilises
strategies which avoid, control or transfer risks to the service. United Synergies’ policies and procedures
identify compliance requirements against relevant legislation and standards. Each policy and set of
procedures includes quality indicators as measures.
Risk management procedures cover arrangements for insurance, security, vehicles, out of hours contact,
client protection and workplace health and safety.
For further information please contact:
Mr Christopher John, Chief Executive Officer E: [email protected] T: 07 5442 4277
United Synergies Senior Leadership Team
