Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies

Web link: www.nada.org.au

The Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (NADA) is the peak organisation for the non government drug and alcohol sector in NSW.NADA's membership comprises approximately 100 agencies ranging from health promotion, early intervention, treatment and after-care programs. These agencies are diverse in their approach to service delivery and structure and make up approximately one third of the drug and alcohol sector in NSW. They also have a small membership base in the ACT.

Strategic Planning

  
ConNetica was engaged to facilitate NADA’s strategic planning session. Prior to the meeting ConNetica interviewed key stakeholders, to identify their expectations and thoughts on key development needs.  At the meeting, feedback was provided on stakeholder consultations, past performance was reviewed, the organisation’s operating environment in terms of challenges and opportunities was articulated and stakeholder needs and expectations were clarified. Over 40 individuals from private, government and NGO organisatons attended this meeting.  

This information was used to inform the identification of key strategic initiatives relating to governance, service delivery, staffing and sector development.
 

Improved Services Initiatives Forum

    
ConNetica was engaged to facilitate NADAs Improved Services Initiatives Forum (ISI) Forum. The purpose of this forum was to share participants’ views on the impact of the ISI and to identify the range of integrated strategies that were needed to sustain the positive outcomes arising from the ISI. 28 participants, representing 22 NGOs and the Department of Health and Ageing, attended this forum. The range of service improvement activities include:  

• the implementation or enhancement of quality improvement processes, policies and procedures that support the assessment and management of clients experiencing comorbidity;
• the introduction of appropriate workforce training, professional development and / or clinical support;
• the development of sustainable partnerships with the broader health network, particularly primary care and mental health services;
• and better data collection to support continuous improvement.

ConNetica utilized a range of small and large group activities to maximise participation and ensure that all ideas and areas of need were shared. ConNetica’s experience with a range of other workforce development initiatives in a range of sectors and expertise in change management enhanced the discussion on issues relating to how to further improve workplace practice and adoption of various changes. This workshop resulted in a range of integrated strategies being identified that would further sustain the effectiveness of the provision of alcohol and other drug and mental health services. Some of these issues included ways to enhance collaboration between service providers, workplace cultural change, staff training and development programs, involvement of consumers and carers and workplace structures.