The SSR hears directly from providers through its new Service Provider Reference Group

The Social Services Regulator (SSR) has established a Service Provider Reference Group, which met for the first time in February.

After an expressions of interest process, the group’s final membership includes members from small, large, regional and metro providers, and covers all the sectors in the SSR’s scope.

The group was created to provide advice to the Regulator on implementing the new regulatory scheme, which started on 1 July 2024. It is co-chaired by Richard Marks, Director of Social Services Regulation at the Social Services Regulator and David Tennant, CEO of Goulburn Valley Family Care, which offers services to families, children and young people in Shepparton, Seymour, Cobram, Kinglake, Wallan, Alexandra, Kilmore and surrounding districts.

“For regulation to be effective, it is vitally important that the people doing the regulating and those being regulated understand each other’s roles. Regular and respectful communications are also key,” says Tennant.

At the first meeting the group gave the SSR feedback on its first eight months of operation, and discussed some of the challenges the new scheme has presented for providers. Members were positive about the SSR’s engagement and responsiveness so far.

Tracey Jessup is CEO of Morecare Services, which provides aged care and disability support. As a service provider she's glad there’s an opportunity to proactively engage with the Social Services Regulator and to be heard. “Having a platform to contribute to policy development is incredibly rewarding... this collaborative approach ensures that policies reflect the genuine needs of the sector, leading to better outcomes for both providers and the communities we serve.”

At this initial meeting the group also asked the SSR questions about registration, the SSR’s response to incident reports, the Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme and the regulation of Child Safe Standards. The Regulator was also keen to hear where service providers are dealing with multiple regulators, to improve coordination.

The group also had input into a new self-assessment tool the SSR is currently developing. This tool will be made available on the SSR website once finalised. It will empower service providers to assess their own compliance and areas for improvement for meeting the Social Services Standards. By consulting with the sector before its release the SSR is ensuring the tool is genuinely useful and user-friendly.

The group will meet quarterly to continue the dialogue between the Regulator and the social services sector.

“Being a part of the reference group is invaluable to us, as it serves as a crucial link between us as a service provider and the regulators,” says Tracey Jessup. “It ensures that the perspectives of both those delivering and receiving services are acknowledged and incorporated into decision-making processes.”

Find out more about how the SSR is engaging with the sectors it’s regulating.