All É«ÀÇÉçÇømanagement members in Metro District CSCs of Charlestown, Edgeworth and Mayfield are directed to ban the use of the Out of Home Care Audit
28 October 2021
All É«ÀÇÉçÇømanagement members working in the Community Service Centres of Charlestown, Edgeworth and Mayfield are directed to ban the use of the Out of Home Care Audit (FACS Quality Review Audit Tool V2).
This ban has been brought on by members’ extreme frustration at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Out of Home Care Audit and its impact on their already excessive workloads, the negative impact upon client service provision, the quality of practice and the work, health and safety of the members tasked with completing the audits.
Members will be joining their colleagues in Cessnock, Maitland and Raymond Terrace who have also banned the audit.
The introduction of such an onerous audit goes against all that we are trying to achieve in terms of supporting our clients.
We will continue to support our clients by using the Dip Sample tool already in use within the Hunter Valley District.
As a result, the following direction is given by the General Secretary to all management members in the Community Service Centres of Charlestown, Edgeworth and Mayfield Raymond Terrace in the Metro area.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøbans the use of the Out of Home Care Audit (FACS Quality Review Audit Tool V2) due to members’ continuing concerns with the administrative burden and increased workload.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇødirects all members to maintain this ban until such time as we advise that it has been lifted.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill raise concerns and open discussion with DCJ management about the lack of consultation, transparency and increased workload resulting from the Out of Home Care Audit (FACS Quality Review Audit Tool V2).
Members recognise that workload and resourcing issues within the Hunter need to be addressed by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and in particular Central Office.
Support your colleagues who are following bans
Remember that the É«ÀÇÉçÇøbans relate to the Out of Home Care Audit (FACS Quality Review Audit Tool V2).
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøsupports the use of the Dip Sample tool already in use within the Hunter.
If you are requested to use the Out of Home Care Audit (FACS Quality Review Audit Tool V2), advise your Director that the work is currently the subject of an industrial ban and you are unable to complete it.
Members are protected when following bans
Members are advised that:
- This industrial action has been approved by the General Secretary of the Public Service Association of NSW
- Any direction to perform work covered by these bans can be refused without personal risk.
Should members receive any type of threat for refusing to break the bans they should contact their local delegate or the É«ÀÇÉçÇøimmediately.
If issues are raised with you about your compliance with the ban, provide your manager with a copy of this bulletin and politely explain that you have been directed by your union not to undertake this work.
Sign up your colleagues
You can support the work of the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand your local delegates by asking your colleagues to their union.