On behalf of Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service I am pleased to present the 2020-2021 Annual Report.
As stated in the previous Annual Report “This year has been like no other”, sadly Covid-19 has continued to have its hold on Victoria and again we saw a year of challenges, support and determination to beat this Pandemic whilst providing the best possible legal services we can for our community.
BGCLS continued to adapt to a new way of providing client services, community legal education and stakeholder engagement. Telephone, Zoom and Microsoft Teams became the preferred option with face-to-face services almost extinct. However, this has proven to be beneficial to the wider community, with such an expansive catchment it has meant more people were able to access the service without the need to travel.
This year we were fortunate enough to continue to expand and develop as a team. Despite being separated and working from home for the majority of the year, to the credit of all our wonderful staff, we have maintained the shared passion and drive for the work that we do. We are excited to explore our full potential as things start to open up again.
In wrapping up I would like to acknowledge our funders, partners and stakeholders and thank them for their continued support and referrals and look forward to working together in 2022
As stated in the previous Annual Report “This year has been like no other”, sadly Covid-19 has continued to have its hold on Victoria and again we saw a year of challenges, support and determination to beat this Pandemic whilst providing the best possible legal services we can for our community.
BGCLS continued to adapt to a new way of providing client services, community legal education and stakeholder engagement. Telephone, Zoom and Microsoft Teams became the preferred option with face-to-face services almost extinct. However, this has proven to be beneficial to the wider community, with such an expansive catchment it has meant more people were able to access the service without the need to travel.
This year we were fortunate enough to continue to expand and develop as a team. Despite being separated and working from home for the majority of the year, to the credit of all our wonderful staff, we have maintained the shared passion and drive for the work that we do. We are excited to explore our full potential as things start to open up again.
In wrapping up I would like to acknowledge our funders, partners and stakeholders and thank them for their continued support and referrals and look forward to working together in 2022
|
Lisa Buckland
Executive Officer |
Strategic Plan 2019-2022
Reflecting on the priority goals reached in our strategic plan
- Legal services have been adapted and improved to meet the changing needs of clients. Opportunities for video link and telephone appointments have improved access to our service for clients outside the Ballarat LGA.
- Contracted a consultant to undertake a Covid-19 Legal Needs Analysis (LNA) so that resources are targeted towards communities with the most need. The updated LNA covers the 11 Local Government Areas in our catchment to ensure that regional and remote services are not forgotten.
- The introduction of practise teams has allowed for comprehensive specialised services to be provided to clients, with assistance possible for more complex matters.
- Through our Compass Program we are able to provide holistic services to clients. Whilst navigating their way through the legal system our client advocate can ensure that their wellbeing needs are also being met.
- Through our integrated services funding BGCLS has formed partnerships with Maternal and Child Health Services in Ballarat and Sebastopol with opportunities being explored in Moorabool and Horsham.
- BGCLS has continued to work within the Specialist Family Violence Court in Ballarat enabling clients to access services prior to, during and after court and for related matters.
- Our client advocate is able to assist clients with risk assessments and safety planning as part of our Compass Program
- BGCLS now provides services for Family Violence in Ballarat, Ararat, Stawell and Horsham giving clients greater access for regional and remote communities.
- A series of webinars have been developed for stakeholders and partners to assist them with a greater understanding of what family violence is and making timely referrals for assistance.
- Options for an office in Horsham are continuing to be explored to enhance accessibility.
- Increased knowledge and skillset on the Board will enable us to explore new and sustainable funding opportunities.
- Reconciliation Action Plan has commenced with the establishment of an internal working group
- Staff have participated in cultural competency training
- Diversity and Inclusion working group has been established and have finalised an action plan to be implemented in 2022. The plan will cover areas such as access to interpreters, cultural sensitivity and inclusivity of various diverse groups within our community.
- Monitoring and Evaluation processes have been embedded into direct service delivery to monitor general satisfaction and well being of clients.
- Legal Needs Analysis has been updated with recommendations to be actioned from 2022.
- BGCLS have worked as a team to develop a Team Charter.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities are provided to staff and volunteers.
- BGCLS has expanded our team in 2021 bringing diverse cultures, experiences and skill sets to our organisation.
Contact Us © Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service Inc.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
Many images of Ballarat and surrounds by photographer, Andrew Thomas. Visit Andrew's website to see more of his beautiful images - http://www.andrewthomasphotographer.com/
