Berry Street Web Docs Annual Report 2007 | Page 18

Our Commitment as a Learning Organisation

As part of our commitment to the highest quality services , and the promotion of a learning culture , Berry Street continues its substantial investment in professional development , with a 2.3 % budget allocation of total salaries .
54 staff were awarded paid Study Leave to improve their qualifications .
20 new residential staff undertook our specifically designed 6 day orientation program , “ You Can Make a Difference ”.
60 staff completed our 4 1 / 2 day specially designed supervision course .
17 staff completed a Diploma of Business .
72 residential , education and administrative staff completed specially designed Effective Conflict Management training .
29 staff undertook the “ Creating a Positive Workplace Culture ” training .
Our new training room facilities enabled us to hold IT training on site for the first time . 61 staff participated .
Staff presented at international and national conferences , including the International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Congress , the Australian and New Zealand Family Therapy Conference and International Foster Care Organisation conference in New Zealand .
In addition to providing opportunities for learning and professional development , Berry Street provides :
Regular supervision and support .
Opportunities for secondments and higher duties , were taken up by 70 staff .
8 weeks paid maternity leave and 2 weeks paid paternity leave .
An Employee Assistance Program for staff and / or their families , was accessed by 68 people . Following very positive feedback , we have extended the program to include foster carers and their families .
Equal Opportunity training across the whole organisation .
Image top : Berry Street delegates at the International Foster Care Organisation Conference in New Zealand
Berry Street Annual Report 2007