I would like to affirm each of you reading this and remind you that your dedication and commitment to our Mission is greatly appreciated and together, we really do change lives for the better.

As we continue to respond to the ‘new normal’ and explore ways to provide the best of care for everyone who comes to us, let’s not under-estimate the energy this takes.  While we have been able to welcome back some of our non-vulnerable volunteers, our resources are still stretched – and demand is increasing every day.  I encourage each of you to include time for something that strengthens you or renews you, whenever possible.  I know I find spending quiet time with people close to me really helps me and the week I recently shared with my wife in the Flinders Ranges was wonderful.

As you’re probably aware, I’ll be Acting CEO until early November when we look forward to welcoming Graham back.  His operation went well and he is now focusing on a speedy recovery.

During this period the Executive and Management team will continue to focus on further strengthening our systems and processes in response to the needs of our clients and changes in the requirements of our funders with a very clear understanding of the direction set by Graham and the Board in transforming the lives of those we serve.    Our Board is clear that while progress is important, so too is the wellbeing of our staff – so please ensure you keep an eye for each other and yourselves. There are plenty of support around when you need it.

Thank you to those of you who completed the recent COVID-19 Staff Survey. There were three key drivers and hotspots identified in your feedback:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/Cleaning
  Staff always keep clients front of mind, but our staff are experiencing the increasing pressures of sustaining cross infection control.  Management will continue to ensure sufficient supplies of cleaning products are available.
• Communication
  Most of you felt that clearer communication was needed around COVID-19, in relation to their expectations and how to manage potential transmissions and the impact on availability to work
• Staff Support
  Most client-facing staff believed that their Manager should have checked in with them more frequently and struggled with their availability with working from home protocols in place.

Executive and Senior Managers will discern the actions and follow up that should result from the Survey.  We appreciate that this needs to be done promptly so that we can continue to keep each other safe.

Our thoughts are with the staff in our Care Pathways team as they face the challenges of ongoing Reforms that are bringing significant changes to the way we deliver services to the children and young people entrusted to us.  The recently completed EOI process is critical in determining how we can best retain our valued workforce and provide even better care for our young clients.

I acknowledge the efforts of all of our teams as we continue our 108 year Mission of serving those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Keep up your good work

Michael Hynes
Acting CEO