News Updates
18 – Risk management in Community Services
Risk management in Community Services and other useful things to know and do for all the employers, contractors and job seekers in the Spinifex community
This week we take a look at the demand for risk management professionals in the community services sector, brought into sharp focus by the COVID environment and recent changes in WHS Laws.
But first, let’s see what jobs are out there
Over the past week, we’ve listed a number of opportunities in the following categories and locations across NSW.
| Blue Mountains | Manildra |
| Canberra | Orange |
| Canowindra | Parkes |
| Coffs Harbour | Parramatta |
| Dubbo | Sydney |
| Forbes | Tamworth |
| Grafton | Wagga Wagga |
| Lismore | Young |
For more information, take a look at our current job opportunities
Also check out the Australian Government Jobs Hub
The growing demand for risk management professionals
Ruth Connelly, our Community Services specialist, talks about the role of risk and compliance.
Managing risk has always been a priority for community service providers.
Everyone who works in this field manages a multitude of risks on a day-to-day basis, for the people in their care, for their colleagues and for themselves.
However, it is no longer enough for individuals to do their bit. Rather, organisations must take a more holistic approach, to ensure that ALL staff across the organisation have a shared understanding of risks and can work with the clients and communities they serve to eliminate and mitigate them.
This is particularly evident in the aged care and independent schools sectors with:
- new Aged Care Quality Standards introduced in December 2019
- increased fines and penalties for WHS Act breaches and the prohibition of insurance to cover WHS liabilities
- cyber security threats
- the need for a COVID-safe workplace
- heightened community demand for transparent and effective communications and governance
“We have seen a growing recognition amongst aged care and independent school employers that managing risk in this environment requires specialist skills,” says Ruth.
“They are having to deal with new layers of risk and increased compliance requirements, on top of maintaining communications between head office, service delivery arms and communities in a fast-changing environment and managing a diverse workforce with high burn-out rates.
“It is not possible to eliminate every risk entirely, but a skilled risk professional can help organisations mitigate operational, financial, governance and reputational risks. Not just to meet the letter of the law, but to maintain the high levels of empathy and care which are the bedrock of their services and identify opportunities to do better for the people in their care.
“Whether at WHS Officer level or a more senior Chief Risk or Compliance Officer level, a trained professional can make a huge difference to a community service provider, accelerate adaptation to the new normal and build organisational resilience.
“Where we have placed someone in this role, we have seen employers strengthen their ability to identify, assess and prioritise risks and, most importantly work more effectively with staff, government authorities and communities to focus efforts where they are most needed and take effective action.”
More information:
Until next week, stay safe.
| Scott C Small | Victoria Bila |
| Managing Director | Group Manager – Operations |
| Andrew Egan | Damien O’Donnell |
| Group Manager – Regional Operations | Group Manager – Regional & Executive |
Download PDF version of this update