Historically, the HACC DOs role and service delivery has varied between regional projects according to their funding history and area/s of coverage. In 1997, the then NSW Department of Ageing and Disability, conducted a review into the role of HACC DOs across the State. The HACC DOs Network submission paper to the HACC Development Officer's Review, compiled by Diane Beatty, highlighted some of the differences between individual projects.

The Review was assisted by the keenness of the agencies to achieve the objectives of clarification and excellent and early submissions from the HACC Development Officer’s Network representing the collective views of HACC DOs on their roles and directions.

The HACC DOs Network submission paper to the Review, compiled by Diane Beatty, highlighted some of the differences between individual projects.

The NSW HACC Development Officer’s Review found:

Summary of Findings:

• HACC DOs are particularly effective in the areas of information distribution, advocacy and coordination of HACC services and make a significant contribution to the HACC Program.
• According to the ‘HACC Services Survey’ there is a high level of satisfaction with HACC DOs and an identified need for increased effort and support for individual services.
• The accountability processes to Government are in need of upgrading and would require HACC DOs to be re-contracted with new project descriptions, performance monitoring and operational guidelines.

List of Recommendations:

There were 16 recommendations made. In summary:

1. HACC DOs continue to be funded and supported by the Ageing and Disability Department.

2. The role of the HACC DO will include:

• Supporting HACC Services
• Facilitating information flow
• Advocating on behalf of service provider and client groups
• Empowering service users
• Cooperating with ADD with planning and implementation of expansions/improvements in the HACC Service System.

3. ADD to review the training requirements necessary of ADD-employed Service Support and Development Officers (SSDOs) and HACC DOs to ensure skills required to perform an enhanced service support role are obtained.

4. Regional Offices should develop cooperative relationships with HACC DOs, including joint work activities and priority setting.

5. Each HACC DO Project funded by HACC should be formally re-approved by the State HACC Minister to provide clear guidance and accountability for their role in service support and development.

6. Generic operational guidelines should be incorporated into re-approval process for all HACC DOs.

7. The re-approval process for HACC DO projects should involve the production of a new Schedule of the Funding Agreement detailing project description, activities and performance indicators.

8. Each Schedule should include the following two conditions:

• HACC DO subject to approved operational guidelines.
• Project subject to the production of a workplan that is jointly developed between auspicing agency and Regional ADD Office. Approval by Regional Manager annually.

9. The re-approval process will require the signing of a new Funding Agreement.

10. Funding will be time limited in accordance with new Commonwealth/State HACC Agreement. The time limit for HACC DOs is recommended to be 3 years subject to on-going performance and compliance with contract.

11. The process of Review must be in alignment with normal ADD monitoring protocols.

12. Each HACC DO project within six months following the re-approval process, review workplans and job descriptions and bring them in line with new project approval.

13. Projects that are based within local government, positions should be in line with the guidelines and conditions recommended by this Review.

14. HACC DOs should ensure that the ‘Client Voice’ is at the forefront of any activity related to HACC planning and advocacy via representational structures. This should be separate to existing provider interests and should be actively supporting the Special Needs groups.

15. The HACC DOs Network and ADD should work together and compile “good Practice’ in the area of client participation as part of a coordinated research on the subject.

16. In cooperation with Regional Planning Officers, HACC DOs can assist with project management and the delivery of project outcomes of specific consultation projects identified by the planners.

The Future:

HACC DOs expanding their professional support of HACC Services in the area of technical assistance, management advice and training.

HACC DOs will become more client focused through activities such as representational and participatory structures, innovation service delivery and practice.

HACC DOs adopting quality management and planning techniques to ensure continuous improvement in delivery of service.