All PSA management members working in the Community Service Centres of Cessnock, Maitland and Raymond Terrace 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.

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 Cessnock, Maitland and Raymond Terrace in the Hunter Valley District.

The PSA bans 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 PSA directs all members to maintain this ban until such time as we advise that it has been lifted.

The PSA will 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 Valley District need to be addressed by Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and in particular Central Office.

Support your colleagues who are following bans

Remember that the PSA bans relate to the Out of Home Care Audit (FACS Quality Review Audit Tool V2).

The PSA supports the use of the Dip Sample tool already in use within the Hunter Valley District.

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:

1. This industrial action has been approved by the General Secretary of the Public Service Association of NSW
2. 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 PSA immediately.

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 PSA and your local delegates by asking your colleagues to JOIN their union.