Representatives from the social sector offer their views on what can be done to enhance the quality and accessibility of community services.
We recently sought some insight from experts around the social services sector on accessibility of community services.
Considering the dynamics and the demographics of the population and what we consider social and/or community services to be, we understood the can of worms we may have been opening.
But that was the point – to get some varied and knowledgeable opinions across the board.
Here’s what they had to say:
Fiona Loughlan
CEO: Institute for Healthy Communities Australia Limited
The definition of quality and accessible community services will be different for the public sector compared to the people receiving the services. Therefore, how can the public sector identify and enhance the services? By gathering key information to enable continuous improvement in decision making.
Establishing committees with key stakeholders, including sector specific peak bodies, other levels of government, service providers and quality-auditing bodies will enable external advocacy at the local, regional and national levels to support the enhancement of community services. This is also a feedback mechanism allowing input into quality and areas for improvement.
Quality community services are continuously evaluated and improved based on feedback from stakeholders, emerging best practices, and changing community needs. This involves collecting data on key performance indicators, quality assessment measures, analysing trends and using findings to inform decision-making and policy development.
Lastly, remaining adaptable and responsive to changing community needs, maintaining engagement with sector committees and the incorporation of monitoring and evaluation outcomes will help ensure the public sector’s decisions are fact based to ensure quality services are delivered where they are needed.
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Vrinda Bansal
Co-founder: Pyskey
The public sector fails in the domain only when it fails to reach the public. When the public sector incorporates a psychological perspective, like having a human-centred design, involving community members in co-design and delivery, this is when it can truly work for the public.
The quality and accessibility of community services can be enhanced by using evidence-based strategies to reduce stigma, via measures like campaigns, storytelling initiatives in multiple languages, and policies for anti-discrimination. For example, understanding the psyche behind domestic violence can ensure the facilitation of desired behaviour through incentives, peer support groups and group-based interventions for building the feeling of collectivisation in this civic body. It marks as a win for the public sector, when everything that is targeted to any segment of the community seeps into the community, as it’s meant for all.
When the public sector and the public’s face and voice align, it starts bringing an essence and amplification to the voices that have been silenced. This public that fits into socially-created boxes with unfair labels like migrants, people with special abilities, people who are marginalised, disenfranchised, undeserved or unheard – these social mavericks receive empowerment every time a non-conformist gets a face and a voice. This face and voice become its glory, leading to the conquest of our public sector.
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Andrew Daubney
Director: Rebound Health
Firstly, allocating sufficient resources is essential. Increased funding allows community services to hire skilled professionals, invest in necessary equipment, and maintain operations at a high standard. This investment directly translates to higher quality care and support for the community.
Secondly, improving infrastructure is crucial. Modern, well-equipped facilities can better serve the community, ensuring that services are accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. Enhancing public transportation links to these facilities also ensures that people can easily access the services they need.
Robust policy frameworks play a vital role in standardising service quality. Implementing stringent regulations and continuous monitoring helps maintain high standards across all community service providers. Additionally, offering training and professional development programs for staff ensures they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, further enhancing service quality.
Lastly, fostering partnerships with private organisations and community groups can extend the reach and effectiveness of these services. Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that address specific community needs, making services more comprehensive and inclusive.
The post Expert opinion: How can the public sector enhance community services’ accessibility? appeared first on The Big Smoke.