Co-Designing a new model for Financial Counselling in Metropolitan Perth The Metropolitan Financial Counselling Partnership WACOSS Conference May 2016

Outline How we got here What we did Key learnings

The impetus for change – Quite possibly the worst decision made by Government this term !!! Vulnerabilities Profile Data Government advice and decision The beginning of a new model

The Financial Counselling Network Department of Local Government and Communities Regional model Less than half the funding

The Financial Counselling Network Why a partnership? Establishing the partnership Build integration Leverage wider service network Many organisations deliver quality services Value add Design a system Metro wide model (system) Local relationships Values alignment Change, renew and reform

The Financial Counselling Network Partnership aims Better experience for clients Security and growth of funding A shared approach Continuity around governance, etc A strong spread of services Improved data and reporting Value add - referral

The Financial Counselling Network Service Approach

The Financial Counselling Network Building the partnership Partnership Group Significant effort from all partners Co-design Partnership Principles

The Financial Counselling Network Service Delivery Framework Triage – point of initial contact to financial counselling service Intake – structured process where case is opened and more detailed information is sought. Appointments are made. Assessment – Analysis of information and working with client to identify key issues and priorities Casework – identifying the priorities and actions to be pursued and who will do them. This is where referrals to other services will often occur Case closure – cases regularly reviewed and closed when no further work is required, or if no contact has occurred.

The Financial Counselling Network Data Report Co-design process Focus on demonstrating work effort Building a case for increased funding Strengthened counting and reporting

What have we learnt ? Time Resources

Metropolitan Financial Counselling Partnership Department of Local Government and Communities With support from DoH, DoRGL, WaterCorp UnitingCare West Perth Inner Perth North East Perth North West UnitingCare West Blue Sky Community Group Midlas Anglicare WA The Spiers Centre City of Wanneroo Perth South East Perth South West Gosnells Community Legal Centre Southcare Mission Australia City of Cockburn State Agreements Joint Services Agreement Memorandum of Understanding Financial Counselling Services Agreements Contractors Subcontractors

What have we learnt ? Time Resources Organisation Potential for systemic reform Relationships matter

Thankyou & Questions