The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on many industries with loss of income and workforce issues being experienced across the board. The social and community services sector has not been immune. As a largely not-for-profit industry which provides critical services and supports to people experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage, in such areas as housing and homelessness, health and mental health, ageing, disability, family violence, and social isolation to name a few, it has also experienced a significant shift in business operations and delivery.
Throughout this pandemic and the resulting environment, service continuity has never been more important for the sector with an increase in community needs due to job loss, isolation and availability of staff to provide in home and other supports.
As the sector is funded largely through government funding sources rather than independent income, it is relying on government funding bodies to reexamine contractual obligations and make decisions based on realistic deliverables that remain true to the needs of the community. For example, a neighbourhood centre delivering a community garden program may not be able to deliver the same outcomes via social media.
Various funding bodies have recognised the need to amend contractual obligations and accountabilities with a good example being in aged care where providers have been given flexibility to reallocate 100% of the funds received to better meet current needs in accordance with program objectives. Other departments have recommended that agencies think about alternative ways to deliver their programs particularly via online platforms, allowing some flexibility in negotiation with their contract manager.
Western Sydney Community Forum has been providing sector support during COVID-19 and has delivered live streams to assist agencies with information about their contractual obligations and how to access the COVID-19 economic stimulus, but it is also up to funding bodies to rethink arrangements in order to ensure service continuity in provision of support to people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerabilities.
CEO Billie Sankovic stated that "a clear and unified approach from local, state and federal governments administering funding to community organisations, is paramount. The community services sector in Western Sydney represents an investment of at least $2.7 billion annually into the regional economy and provides critical services to communities. To ensure people continue receiving the services and supports they need, flexibility in the movement of funds within contracts and extension of contracts in line with the isolation period, is essential. This targets community needs in the current environment and ensures work is meaningful and impactful, as it was intended."
Western Sydney Community Forum will continue to work with the industry, government and business to support service continuity during the COVID-19 situation and offers a range of services to organisations to respond to community needs during the crisis. For more information go to www.wscf.org.au.
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