4.6.1 Portable Long Service Leave
The ASU has had an ongoing role in the negotiation of a Portable Long Service
Leave Scheme for the broader community sector.
4.6.2 Modern Awards and New Employment Standards
The introduction of Modern Awards has not created significant difficulties for
Berry Street to date.
4.7
Quality, Safety & Risk Management
Over 2009 we have further consolidated the use of the Incident and Risk Reporting
System, ERIN.
Members of the EMT are responsible for evaluating risks in the Risk Register and we
went through a review and update of all the risks electronically.
Data from ERIN incident reporting has been used by managers to analyse trends.
In December 2009, we entered into a new agreement with Riskman to provide Berry
Street with RiskmanQ, a quality module that integrates into the current incident
reporting system.
The Health and Safety Committee met 5 times (one of which was our refresher
training for all reps). Local residential unit meetings were also held regularly
between representatives and the Residential Care Managers with support from HR, to
ensure that issues were resolved quickly and efficiently.
We used OHS Week as an opportunity to provide daily information to staff in support
of the roll out of a Safety in the Workplace tool. This tool was used to discuss the
risks associated with the work of individual teams across Berry Street and looks at all
aspects of a role from the physical environment through to the stressors associated
with the work.
We developed Business Continuity Plans for the organisation as a whole and each
Group.
In preparation for this bushfire season, we developed Relocation Plans for children
and young people in foster and residential care in one of the 52 designated areas and
equipped all Berry Street vehicles with a blanket, torch and mask.
4.8
WorkCover
The WorkCover premium for 2009/10 was $941,462.00, including GST. In dollar terms
this is an increase when compared to 2008/09. However, this is due to a 28% increase in
remuneration, estimated for the 2009/10 policy year. The Premium Rate remained
steady at 2.4759% as a result of continued proactive claims management strategies and
positive return to work outcomes.
4.9
Professional Development & Training
We continue to invest significantly in professional development and training, with the
objectives of:
Reinforcing our learning culture.
Ensuring the highest quality services for our clients.
Ensuring, as far as possible, that staff have the necessary skills and qualifications to
carry out their role.
Reinforcing Berry Street as an employer of choice.
4.9.1
New Initiatives
VBCMS Tuesday Focus – in support of the new VBCMS, a monthly professional
development day was scheduled for staff in the Hume and North & West
regions. Held in Hume, the Tuesday Focus has successfully provided a forum
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