Assessing Panel Guide Enhanced Service Offer
Transcript of Assessing Panel Guide Enhanced Service Offer
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Enhanced Service Offer
Assessing Panel Guide
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Accessibility
The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services,
events and venues, accessible to as many people as possible. If you have
difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive
this publication in an alternative format, such as large print or audio
please phone 6205 7743.
Key contacts
Please contact Panel Support Team on 6207 8980
About this guide
This guide is prepared by the Community Services Directorate to
assist people on the Enhanced Service Offer Assessing Panel.
The guide is a companion document to the Enhanced Services
Offer Application Guide. These documents will provide essential
information for Panel members to work through the assessment
process of applications for grants under the Enhanced Service
Offer.
Thank you to all members for your time and expertise which are
essential to this grants process.
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1. Key information for panel members .............................................................................. 5
1.1 Total time commitment for panel members ................................................................ 5
1.2 Community engagement fee ........................................................................................ 5
1.3 Transport assistance ..................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Administrative requirements ........................................................................................ 6
1.5 Location of assessment area ......................................................................................... 6
1.6 Contact point for anel members ................................................................................... 6
1.7 Conflict of Interest ........................................................................................................ 6
1.7 Essential meetings for panel members......................................................................... 7
2. Intent of the Enhanced Service Offer ............................................................................. 8
3. About the panel ............................................................................................................ 8
3.1 Responsibilities ............................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Panel membership ........................................................................................................ 9
3.3 Panel groups.................................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Experience, skills and qualifications of panel group ................................................... 10
3.5 Support for the panel .................................................................................................. 10
3.6 The role of the anel chairs .......................................................................................... 12
3.7 The role of panel pairs in consolidating scores .......................................................... 12
4. The assessment process .............................................................................................. 12
4.1 Timeframes for the assessment .................................................................................. 12
4.2 About the grants categories ....................................................................................... 13
4.3 Initial assessment ........................................................................................................ 13
4.4 How the assessment will work ................................................................................... 13
4.5 What panel members must consider.......................................................................... 14
5. Scoring against the criteria .......................................................................................... 16
5.1 Aids, Equipment and Minor Modifications ................................................................. 16
5.2 Quality of Life Grants .................................................................................................. 18
5.3 Flexible Supports and Services .................................................................................... 19
6. Documents ................................................................................................................. 21
Enhanced Service Offer ..................................................................................................... 21
Grant Panel Member ........................................................................................................ 21
Declaration ........................................................................................................................ 21
Code of conduct (Bowen Report principles) ..................................................................... 22
Confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement .......................................................... 23
Letter of offer .................................................................................................................... 25
How to Accept the Offer guide ......................................................................................... 26
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Acquittal Form .................................................................................................................. 27
Payment Advice: ............................................................................................................... 29
Treating Therapist Initial Application Support Checklist .................................................. 31
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1. Key information for panel members
In this section: what panel members need to know before they begin the
assessment process: dates, places and what happens and when.
ROUND 1 Grants open and close 1 July 9 August
Grants checked for eligibility,
sufficient information and vulnerable
applications
12 August - 19 August
Panel to assess all week 19 August 23 August (full time)
Panel assessment moderation 26 August -29 August
Panel Recommendation Reports
prepared by panel chairs
2 September - 6 September
Delegate considers recommendingreports
9 September 20 September
Letters of Offer Prepared From 23 September
Letters of Offer sent by Minister 23 September - mid October 2013
ROUND 2 Grants open and close 30 September 8 November
Grants checked for eligibility,
sufficient information and vulnerable
applications
11 November- 15 November
Panel to assess all week 18 November 22 November (full time)
Panel assessment moderation 25 November 29 November
Panel Recommendation Reports
prepared by panel chairs
2 December 6 December
Delegate considers recommending
reports
9 December 20 December 2013
Letters of Offer Prepared From January 2014
Letters of Offer sent by Minister From January 2014
1.1 Total time commitment for panel membersEach application round will require approximately five days commitment for the assessment
process. Panel team members will need to be accessible to sign the panel recommendation
reports.
1.2 Community engagement feeMembers of the community, who are not participating on the panel as part of their usual
employment, are entitled to apply for the Community Services Directorate Community
Engagement Fee. This is a small payment to support the costs associated with their
participation. The Community Services Directorate Community Engagement Payment Policysets out eligibility and the level of support to panel members.
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The application form is included in the Attachments at the end of the guide. Note this policy
is being reviewed.
1.3 Transport assistanceThe Community Services Directorate will provide taxi vouchers to cover transport costs for
panel members who require transport assistance to attend panel meetings. Contact the
Panel Support Team on 6207 8980.
1.4 Administrative requirementsAll panel members must read and/or sign the following documents as part of their role on
the panel. This can be done at the Orientation Session on the first day of assessments.
Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreement
Bowen Code of Conduct - Panel Members Declaration
For reference, these are included with the Attachments at the end of the guide.
1.5 Location of assessment areaDuring the assessment processes the panel will work in:
The Computer Training Lab and Ballarn One meeting room
Ground Floor
Nature Conservation House
Emu Bank, Belconnen
These rooms are co-located with a lounge and kitchen area. Accessible bathrooms are in the
foyer area of the ground floor.
1.6 Contact point for panel membersPanel members can contact the Panel Support Team on 6207 8980.
1.7 Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest is a set of circumstances that creates a risk that professional judgment
or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest (Lo
and Field (2009) and Thompson (1993).
While panel members will all sign Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Agreement before
assessment begins, they will also be asked to consider conflict of interest in relation to any
application provided to them before assessment begins. This includes:
a panel members potential or perceived conflict that may relate to their personal orprofessional knowledge of a person who has applied for a grant and
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the potential conflict afforded the person who has applied, should a panel member
have access to that persons application.
Panel members will be asked to advise the panel chair if they know any person whose
application is included in their portfolio for assessment.
The nature and manner in which the person is known to the panel member will beconsidered by the chair to determine if a conflict of interest may be present. The chair will
also consider whether the panel members access to a persons personal information
contained in an application may represent an unreasonable intrusion into their privacy.
A clinical relationship is not considered to represent a conflict of interest.
A conflict of interest will be automatically declared if the panel member, in other than a
clinical service delivery role:
has a working relationship with a person who has applied for a grant or
works in an area that has immediate contact with the person.
If a conflict of interest is declared the panel member will not receive that persons
application for assessment.
1.7 Essential meetings for panel members
Before assessment begins
Panel members will be required to attend a four hour orientation session prior to beginning
to assess applications.
The agenda for this meeting will be:
introduction of members
overview of DisabilityCare in the ACT context
overview of the Enhanced Service Offer: promotion, information sessions and
assistance provided to people who have applied
Enhanced Service Offer assessment process and timeframes, complaints and
feedback process
eligibility and criterion for the different types of grants
run through on-line assessment process
information about allocation of applications to panel pairs
Enhanced Service Offer funding splits and how the funds will be allocated
the role of the Indivudal Planners and team leaders and contact details
what to do when there is not enough information in an application
flags for applicants identified as at risk or vulnerable
process for applications for exceptional requests
treatment of dissenting views
role of the Delegate
panel support team role and contacts; help numbers for SmartyGrants online system.
After the assessment
A two hour post assessment de-brief meeting will be held to:
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enable panel members to provide advice back about the process, tools, support and
information provided to them to undertake their role
consider ways the applications and assessment process may be improved for round
two
give the panel an overview of the outcome from the round ie data on successful and
unsuccessful request and categories requested
ensure panel members have any follow up support they need from their involvement
in the process. Individual de-briefing sessions can be arranged. Members are
encouraged to make use of the government Employment Assistance Program as
needed.
2. Intent of the Enhanced Service Offer
The funds for the Enhanced Service Offer have been allocated under an agreement between
the Australian and ACT Governments; to assist the ACT to:
fund additional services for people with disabilities
prepare for participation in the DisabilityCare launch
mitigate the risk associated with delivering a jurisdiction-wide launch and a whole-of-
system reform to disability service provision in the ACT
to ensure a smooth transition for clients in the ACT from 1 July 2014.
The Enhanced Service Offer will be delivered through a grants process that is intended to:
respond to priority unmet need while work is underway to prepare the ACT
community for the phased introduction of DisabilityCare; through individual funding
for enhanced services and supports which will improve peoples quality of life by
providing respite or a respite like effect for people with disability, their families and
other unpaid carers
assist people with disability, their families and other unpaid carers, to be aware of
DisabilityCare and to consider what it may mean for them. The ESO should provide
people with an opportunity to experience choice and control over the supports and
services they have in their life, to meet their needs
(through the provision of grants to individuals rather than via block funding to service
providers) to assist currently funded providers to consider and experience how
equipped their current business models and service offers are for DisabilityCare.
The process is an opportunity to inform further work to prepare the sector to transition to
DisabilityCare Australia.
3. About the panel
3.1 ResponsibilitiesThe panel:
is responsible for considering and rating each requested item, support or servicein each eligible application
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makes recommendations to the delegate about the priority of each application in
the categories of:
o Aids, Equipment and minor Modifications
o Quality of Life grants
o Flexible Supports and Services
must work within the guidelines and processes outlined in the Assessing Panel
Guide and the Application Guide.
will make recommendations to the delegate about applications that demonstrate
exceptional circumstances and combined submissions.
When making assessments, the panel will use the experience and skills of members,
individually and collectively, to ensure that its decisions in assessing applications are
equitable and justifiable in the public arena.
With the exception of Quality of Life grants which fulfil a different purpose, the panel will
only recommend reasonable and necessary supports and services consistent with each
persons likely support package under DisabilityCare.
The panel will alert the panel support team to people who are likely to be eligible for
assistance under DisabilityCare and who are currently not supported by the formal service
system so that they may be contacted and assisted. In addition the panel will identify
people, for follow up by the Individual Planners who:
receive core or vital supports and services from a non-recurrent source, and the
person is at risk when those supports cease
do not have sufficient recurrent supports and services
whose informal networks are not likely to be sustained without additional formalsupport prior their transition to DisabilityCare
have significant unmet need but are not eligible for an ESO grant, or what they
require cannot be provided via an ESO grant
3.2 Panel membershipMembership will be determined by the ACT Government through the ACT NDIS Taskforce
and with advice from relevant areas of government. Members will be selected for the broad
range of experience they will bring collectively and individually to the assessment process.
The panel will collectively have service delivery, policy and professional and personalexperience in related areas including the provision of therapy service, aids and equipment,
support services and the provision of services and supports to vulnerable people including
those with psychosocial disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The panel will include people with lived experience of disability, including psychosocial
disability.
3.3 Panel groupsPanel members will be assigned to panel groups. Four panel members will be assigned to
one of three panel groups:
Aids, equipment, minor modifications
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Quality of Life grants
Flexible supports and services
Panel members will be assigned to their group on the basis of their expertise and
qualifications. Each group will have a chair and work in pairs (referred to as panel pairs) for
the assessments.
3.4 Experience, skills and qualifications of panel group
Aids, equipment, minor modifications
These panel members will be people who work within existing ACT Government aids,
equipment and minor modification assistance schemes. This includes senior clinicians with
occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy skills.
Panel members in addition to ensuring recommendations are appropriate to the needs of
the person, will also provide advice to ensure:
that items requiring scripts are sourced from appropriate providers able to provide
any required post purchase support;
people are appropriately linked to services including the Independent Living Centre,
Therapy ACT, Rehabilitation Aged and Community Care and Service and ACT
Equipment Scheme (ACTES).
Quality of Life grant
These panel members will include people with disability including psychosocial disability who
are not applying for a quality of life grant and representatives from community
organisations.
Flexible supports and servicesThese panel members will include senior clinicians from government and community
providers and other people with expertise in the provision of respite and respite effect
services for people with disability, including those with psychological disability and high and
complex needs.
The panel will:
need to determine where a person is likely to be vulnerable now because their
supports are not sustainable
ensure that any possible ESO funding that becomes part of a persons total support
package is likely to be consistent with their future DisabilityCare support package, ie.
that a person will not be disadvantaged with the transition to DisabilityCare.
3.5 Support for the panel
Panel Support Team
The panel chairs will be supported by a Panel support team which is responsible for
following tasks:
Before assessment begins
enter paper-based applications into the SmartyGrants data base (this may be sub-
contracted to a data-entry service).
review all completed applications to confirm they meet eligibility criteria. formally advise people who do not meet the eligibility criteria and
who will be excluded from the Enhanced Service Offer process. This correspondence
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should clearly outline the grounds on which the person is not eligible and be signed
by the senior manager Contracts and Grants Unit.
contact and assist applicants who have not completed the online application fully or
correctly, or refer them to the Enhanced Service Planning team leader
refer potentially vulnerable people to the Enhanced Service Planning team leader.
If additional supports are established by the Individual Planners subsequent to the
application being assessed, the Panel support team will ensure the persons
application is updated.
sort applications into groups and with panel chairs, assign a portfolio of applications
to the panel pairs on the basis of members skills and expertise
manage arrangements for the panel to convene. This includes ensuring each panel
member has all the information they need to attend, special requirements are met,
venues booking are still in place, IT is arranged, catering booked etc.
set up meetings including the Orientation and Debrief; agendas set, information
prepared including Community Participation fee forms, signing of Confidentially
Agreements, and adjustments are made to panel members portfolios to manage to
any identified or potential conflict of interest.
for round two, ensure that any highly prioritised applications (unallocated) that were
confirmed to be transferred to round two, are included.
During the assessing phase
monitor panel progress and provide assistance including to adjust workload, to
ensure the set timeframes are met
provide conduit between the panel members and Individual Planners
support panel participation in the process. This may include assisting with transport
issues (taxi vouchers), accessibility issues, catering, community engagement
payment
After the assessing phase
draft recommending reports with the chairs and coordinate members signatures and
movement of the recommending Minute through the delegate
unsuccessful letters are prepared from SmartyGrants system and for delegates
signature, quality control
draft Ministerial Brief on outcome of process including letters to successful for
Minister
ensure correspondence to people is correct and sent.
This includes the preparation of all Letters of Offer and any relevant documents
manage Letters of Acceptance and payment
prepare Service Funding Agreement variations and advise appropriate contract
manager (including from Health Directorate) of any variations
monitor and manage Acquittal of Grants and return of unexpended funds
monitor and prepare reports on survey monkey feedback from Enhanced Service
Offer applications and service providers.
Individual Planners
An Individual Planning Team has been established to support the Enhanced Service Offer
grants process. This team of six Individual Planners and a team manager will work to assistpeople with disability, including those with psychosocial disability to identify their
community support needs, develop a whole of life/goal focused and strengths-based plan;
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and to link to and make best use of the formal and informal supports available to in
preparation for the phased introduction of DisabilityCare Australia in the ACT.
3.6 The role of the panel chairsThere will be three chairs to support the assessing panel to work in groups. The chairs will:
be directors (senior managers will be considered depending on their experience) provide orientation to panel members on their role and responsibilities
facilitate the orientation meeting
facilitate the debriefing meeting
facilitate the assessment process
ensure consistent consideration and application of criteria
ensure processes and recommendations align with ACT Government policy decisions
make a final decision if two panel members are not able to agree on the priority of a
particular application
ensure people flagged as vulnerable or at risk, are referred to the Disability ACT
Individual Planner team leader
ensure all exceptional applications are referred with a recommendation, to the
delegate
make recommendations about the treatment of combined applications
make recommendations for funding in accordance with the budget and as
appropriate adjust the notional budget categories in each round to best meet with
priority recommendations.
3.7 The role of panel pairs in consolidating scoresDuring assessment, Panel members will work in pairs. Panel pairs will:
moderate their ratings
discuss any rating with a discrepancy of two or more points
agree and lodge a consolidated score for the applications in their portfolio (this may
be an average or a consensus score).
Record the rationale for their ratings
Record their recommendation (for example the item/s to be funded, the need to
offer follow up support or information to the person, assessment or prescription; and
areas of concern and/or any caveats around their recommendations).
4. The assessment process
4.1 Timeframes for the assessment
Round one applications need to be completed by 29 August 2013
People will be advised of the outcome of their applications from 23 September 2013
Round 2 applications need to be completed by 22 November 2013.
People will be advised of the outcome of their applications from January 2014.
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4.2 About the grants categoriesPlease refer to the Enhanced Service Offer Application Guide.
4.3 Initial assessmentInitial assessment is done by the panel support team before the panel meets for full
assessment of all applications. This process will:
check eligibility of people (ie residency , age, disability)
ensure that all applications have sufficient information for further assessment
categorise all applications in preparation for assessment by the panel
o Aids, equipment, minor modifications
o Quality of Life grants
o Flexible supports and services
Assign applications to the three groups for assessment and rating against criteria
Notes for panel about initial assessment
If a panel member does not agree that a person is eligible they will indicate this onthe application assessment form and notify the panel chair.
If not enough information is provided in the application the panel support team may
contact the person or their nominee and/or refer them (with their consent) to the
Individual Planning team.
If a person has indicated they do not receive any formal supports (other than for QOL
grant applications) the panel support team will contact them or their nominee and/or
refer the person (with their consent) to the Individual Planning team who can provide
them with information about options, supports and services.
People who are vulnerable now
The initial assessment process may also identify people who:
receive core or vital supports and services from a non-recurrent source
rely on informal networks that are not likely to be sustained without additional
formal supports prior to their transition to DisabilityCare Australia
do not have sufficient recurrent supports and services
have significant unmet need but are not eligible for an ESO grant, or what they
require cannot be provided via an ESO grant.
In these circumstances the person will be referred by the panel chair to the Individual
Planner team leader who will ensure that:
the person is referred (with their consent) to any existing supports and services
currently available within the service system.
the person is identified for priority referral to DisabilityCare Australia.
4.4 How the assessment will work
Day 1
Orientation session (see page 3 for more detail).
Panel members need to read the Bowen Code of Conductand sign Panel Members
Declaration andthe Confidentiality Declaration and Conflict of Interest Agreement.
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Introduction and instructions about SmartyGrants (the grants online system) and
information about the assessment process.
Reading and assessing of applications will all be done online so panel members will
be using SmartyGrants to complete their tasks.
The panel will have a chance to become more familiar with the assessment process
and how it works by assessing a number of applications as a group. This will ensure
that Panel members have a consistent understanding of the intent of each criteria
and rating system and how the online system works.
Panel members are assigned to one of the three panel groups. Panel members will
work in pairs
Panel pairs will be allocated a portfolio of applications.
Panel members will review the names on applications in their portfolio of
applications and declare if they have prior knowledge of a person.
If the panel member has a conflict of interest, or there is potential for a conflict to be
perceived in relation to a person, they should state the nature of the conflict to the
panel chair and will not be involved in decision making related to that persons
application.
Panel members will not access information in applications where a conflict of interest
has been cited.
Day 2-5 Assessing applications
During the assessment process:
Panel members will individually assess applications and record ratings and rationale
(see section 5 scoring against the criteria) using the SmartyGrants system
Panel members will meet at regular intervals with their panel pair to ensure
consistency in assessment of applications
Panel members complete their assessments and meet with their panel pair to
consolidate their scoring of applications assigned to them
Panel pairs meet with their panel chairs to review the scores against each
application. Panel chairs will then make recommendations to the delegate about
allocating grant funding. This is done through a summary report from theSmartyGrants system.
Minute/s about recommendations to delegate will be drafted by the panel support
team.
The delegate will consider the panels report and recommendations to confirm grant
allocations.
The delegate signs off on recommendations.
4.5 What panel members must considerWhen assessing applications and making recommendations, panel members must consider:
consistency with DisabilityCare/NDIS principles
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whether there is sufficient information to make informed and appropriate decisions
around funding
Consistency with DisabilityCare/NDIS principles
It is important that recommendations take into account:
the persons current supports and services so that the total package is likely to be
considered reasonable and necessary in the context of DisabilityCare/NDIS. Forexample additional respite should not be allocated as a replacement for
accommodation support if that is what is actually required.
Does the request seem reasonable given the age or circumstance of the person.
Reasonable and Necessary as defined under the NDIS ACT 2013
(34) Reasonable and necessary supports
For the purposes of specifying, in a statement of participant supports, the general supports that will be
provided, and the reasonable and necessary supports that will be funded, the CEO must be satisfied of all of
the following in relation to the funding or provision of each such support:
(a) the support will assist the participant to pursue the goals, objectives and aspirations
included in the participants statement of goals and aspirations;
(b) the support will assist the participant to undertake activities, so as to facilitate the
participants social and economic participation;
(c) the support represents value for money in that the costs of the support are reasonable,
relative to both the benefits achieved and the cost of alternative support;
(d) the support will be, or is likely to be, effective and beneficial for the participant, having
regard to current good practice;
(e) the funding or provision of the support takes account of what it is reasonable to expect
families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide;(f) the support is most appropriately funded or provided through the National Disability
Insurance Scheme, and is not more appropriately funded or provided through other
general systems of service delivery or support services offered by a person, agency or
body, or systems of service delivery or support services offered:
(i) as part of a universal service obligation; or
(ii) in accordance with reasonable adjustments required under a law
dealing with discrimination on the basis of disability;
(g) the support is not prescribed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme rules as a
support that will not be funded or provided under the National Disability Insurance
Scheme;
(h) the funding of the support complies with the methods or criteria (if any) prescribed by theNational Disability Insurance Scheme rules for deciding the reasonable and necessary
supports that will be funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Prioritised applications
The following people will be prioritised above people of the same rating. People:
who are not in receipt of any formal supports services
who are Aboriginal or Torres Straits Islander
who live with other family members with disability
who live with a family member, or other unpaid carer, who is over the age of 65
who live in residential aged care.
have a psychosocial disability who are parent to, and reside with children or young
people under the age of 16
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who are a refugee or an humanitarian entrant
Following re-priorisation as above, if the re-prioritised applications still exceed the resources
available the panel may reassess prioritised applications again, against the same criterion
until the panel chairs are is satisfied they can offer a justifiable suite of recommendations to
the Delegate within the funds available.
What is meant by people who are not in receipt of any formal support services
The intent is to enable people to be prioritised over others of the same rating, if they are not
currently in receipt of ongoing disability services, Home and Community Care program
services or mental health services that they could reasonably be expected to eligible for
through DisabilityCare.
Unfunded Prioritised Applications may be transferred to Round Two
The chairs will decide which, if any unsuccessful, applications should be transferred to the
second round. Only people rated as being of the highest priority such as to enable a
reasonable assessment to be made that the application may be likely to receive an allocation
in the second round, should be transferred.
Applications transferred to the second round will take the first round scoring with them.
5. Scoring against the criteria
Panel members will first consider the threshold criterion: this is one single criterion must be
highly demonstrated (scoring 4 or above) for the application to be further assessed.
All applications will be collated numeratively in a report for each of the three grant
categories.The spread of scores will indicate the range of scores which will potentially be
funded (given the available funds). For example it may be that once all applications
receiving a maximum score of 24 are recommended for funding; that there are sufficient
funds to allocate to those ranked 22 and 23.
5.1 Aids, Equipment and Minor Modifications
Threshold question
The requested item reduces the impact of the disability on the persons life by supporting the
person to have enhanced independence and personal control in their physical environment.
This may include enabling them to use their physical environment; it may reduce existing
risks to the persons family or other unpaid carers.
Supplementary criteria only for applications rated 4 or above for the Threshold question.
The requested item increases the opportunity for the person to meaningfully engage
in aspects of community life; this may include the financial, social and recreational
aspects.
The requested item supports the wellbeing of the person. This may include providingthem with the opportunity to perform different social roles; or to increase the
persons informal networks, or support and maintain relationships.
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The requested item is an effective and reasonable response to the persons needs
and circumstances.
Rating Aids, equipment and minor modifications criteria1 The criterion is not met at all
The request may be assessed to have a detrimental outcome for the person
The request is not be consistent with what the person would reasonably
expect to receive under the NDIS (refer to Reasonable and Necessary
Principle).
2 The criterion is demonstrated in some ways or the application meets some
elements of the criterion
The request may limit or reduce the persons opportunities for inclusion or
skill development The request may not reflect the age, stage or interests of the person.
3 The criterion is demonstrated in some ways or the application meets some
elements of the criterion
There are clear benefits for the person.
4 The criterion is well demonstrated
There are clear benefits for the person
There may be benefits for the persons family, unpaid carers or other
informal supports and networks.
5 The criterion is demonstrated to a very high level
There are demonstrated flow on benefits for the person and their family,
unpaid carers or other informal supports and networks around them
The application demonstrates some element of risk* which would be
addressed or substantially alleviated by the request
The persons current arrangements are vulnerable to breakdown.
6 There are demonstrated flow on benefits for the person and their family,
unpaid carers or other informal supports and networks around them
The criterion is met to an exceptionally high level and an exceptional level
of benefit, need and priority is demonstrated
The application demonstrates significant risk* factors which would be
addressed or alleviated by the request
The persons current arrangements are not sustainable without immediate
additional supports.
*risk: to physical safety (this may include to the persons family or other unpaid supports); to
health and wellbeing, of isolation or social exclusion.
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5.2 Quality of Life Grants
Threshold question
The request has the potential to enhance the persons quality of life. This may include
enabling the person to be involved in something other people might ordinarily do, but the
person may not have been able to. The enhanced quality of life benefits of the item may
extend to family members or other unpaid carers.
Supplementary criteria only for applications rated 4 or above for the Threshold question.
The request increases the persons opportunity to meaningfully engage in aspects of
community life: including financial, social and recreational.
The request supports the wellbeing of the person. This may include by:
o reducing a detrimental impact on the persons family or other unpaid carers.
o enhancing the persons confidence.
o providing the opportunity for the person to perform different social roles.
o providing opportunities to increase or support informal relationships.
The request has the potential to enable the person to build skills and experience. Therequest may support them to have enhanced independence and personal control and
reduce the impact of the disability on the persons life.
Rating Criteria Quality of Life
1 The criterion is not met at all
The request may be assessed to have a detrimental outcome for the
person.
2 One element of the criterion is met, or the application meets some
elements The item may limit or reduce the persons opportunities for inclusion or
skill development
The item may be reasonably available through other avenues.3 Some elements of the criterion are met
The request may be assessed to provide some benefit to the person and
their family, unpaid carers and informal networks.
4 Most elements of the criterion are demonstrated
Clear benefits are evident for the person
There may be flow on benefits for the person and their family, unpaid
carers and other informal supports and networks around them.5 All elements of the criterion are demonstrated to a very high level
There are flow on benefits for the person and their family, unpaid carers
and other informal supports and networks around them
The request may represent a unique or innovative response to a need.
6 All elements of the criterion are demonstrated to an exceptional level
There are significant benefits for the applicant and their family, unpaid
carers and other informal supports and networks around them; and
The request may represent a unique or innovative response to a need.
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5.3 Flexible Supports and Services
Threshold question
The request increases the opportunity for the person to meaningfully engage in aspects of
community life: including financial, social and recreational. (For parents with a disability this
criterion may include supporting them by enabling their child to engage in community life).
Supplementary criteria only for applications rated 4 or above for the Threshold question.
The request reduces the impact of disability on the persons social networks; and
helps to support or maintain the persons family or other informal relationships.
The request is an effective and reasonable response to the persons needs and
circumstances and represents reasonable value for money.
Rating Criteria Flexible supports and services
1 The criterion is not met at all The request may be assessed to be of limited positive outcome for a person
The request would not be consistent with what the person would
reasonably expect to receive under the NDIS (refer to Reasonable and
Necessary Principle)
The request does not reflect the persons age, life stage, interests or wishes
2 One element of the criterion is met, or application meets some elements
The item may limit or reduce the persons opportunities for inclusion or
skill development.
3 The application meets some elements of the criterion
The request may be assessed to have some benefit to the person andpotentially to their family and other informal supports.
4 The application meets most elements of the criterion
Clear benefits are evident for the person
The request is appropriate to the age and life stage, and reflects the
interests and wishes of the person
There are demonstrated flow-on benefits for the person and their family
and other informal supports and networks around them.
5 All elements of the criterion are demonstrated to a very high level
There are flow-on benefits for the person and their family and other
informal supports and networks around them
The application demonstrates some element of risk* which would be
addressed or substantially alleviated by the request or
The persons current arrangements are vulnerable to breakdown.6 All elements of the criterion are demonstrated to an exceptional level.
There are significant benefits for the person and their family and other
informal supports and networks around them
The application demonstrates significant risk* factors which would be
addressed or alleviated by the request
The persons current arrangements are not sustainable without immediate
additional supports.
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*risk: to physical safety (this may include to the persons family or other unpaid supports), to
health and wellbeing, of isolation or social exclusion.
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6. Documents
In this section: Grants Panel Member forms and examples of documents
relating to the grants
Enhanced Service Offer
Grant Panel MemberDeclaration
I (name) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
of (address) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
agree to abide by the Grant Assessing Panel Guide and the Bowen Declaration Code ofConduct (as detailed in Attachment A) in conducting my responsibilities as a member of the
Enhanced Service Offer Grants Panel.
__________________________ _______________
(signature) (date)
Witness:
__________________________ _______________
(signature) (date)
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Code of conduct (Bowen Report principles)
The Report of the Committee of Inquiry: Public Duty and Private Interest(1979), known as
the Bowen Report, sets out the principles that underpin public servants' obligations todisclose and manage conflicts. The report recommended a code of conduct, which was later
endorsed by the Government. The code is set out below:
1. An office-holder should perform the duties of his office impartially, uninfluenced by
fear or favour.
2. An office-holder should be frank and honest in official dealings with colleagues.
3. An office-holder should avoid situations in which his private interest, whether
pecuniary or otherwise, conflicts or might reasonably be thought to conflict with his
public duty.
4. When an office-holder possesses, directly or indirectly, an interest which conflicts or
might reasonably be thought to conflict with his public duty, or improperly to
influence his conduct in the discharge of his responsibilities in respect of some
matter with which he is concerned, he should disclose that interest according to the
prescribed procedures. Should circumstances change after an initial disclosure has
been made, so that new or additional facts become material, the office-holder should
disclose the further information.
5. When the interests of members of his immediate family are involved, the office-
holder should disclose those interests, to the extent that they are known to him.
6. When an office-holder (other than a Member of Parliament) possesses an interest
which conflicts or might reasonably be thought to conflict with the duties of his office
and such interest is not prescribed as a qualification for that office, he should
forthwith divest himself of that interest, secure his removal from the duties in
question, or obtain the authorisation of his superior or colleagues to continue to
discharge the duties.
7. An officeholder should not use information obtained in the course of official duties to
gain directly or indirectly a pecuniary advantage for himself or for any other person.
8. An office-holder should not:
a. solicit or accept from any person any remuneration or benefit for the
discharge of the duties of his office over and above the official remuneration;
b. solicit or accept any benefit, advantage or promise of future advantage,
whether for himself, his immediate family or any business concern or trustwith which he is associated from persons who are in, or seek to be in, any
contractual or special relationship with government;
c. except as may be permitted under the rules applicable to his office, accept
any gift, hospitality or concessional travel offered in connection with the
discharge of the duties of his office.
9. An office-holder should be scrupulous in his use of public property and services, and
should not permit their misuse by other persons.
10.An office-holder should not allow the pursuit of his private interest to interfere with
the proper discharge of his public duties.
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The inclusion of the Code of Conduct in the PS Act in 1999 reinforced the principles
underlying the Bowen Code. Source: APS Values and Code of Conduct in practice:http://www.apsc.gov.au/values/conductguidelines.htm
Enhanced Service Offer
Grant Panel Member
Confidentiality and conflict of interest agreement
The work of the panel member includes disclosure and discussion of highly confidential and
sensitive information in relation to people who have disability and their families. All
members of the Panel are bound to not disclose any information to which they are privy and
are not entitled to distribute, copy and share or disclose any written information relating to
the work of the panel.
Panel members are required to declare any potential conflict of interest to the chair of the
panel at the commencement or during their term if a potential conflict arises.
The following Agreement is to be signed by all members of the Enhanced Service Offer
Panel.
Agreement
I, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . declare that to the
best knowledge there is no conflict of interest which would arise from the membership of
the Enhanced Service Offer Grants Panel. Should a potential conflict arise during the term of
my membership I undertake to notify the panel chair of that possible conflict.
In fulfilling my duties as a member of the panel undertake not to disclose any information
gained from the reports to or any person not member of the Enhanced Service Offer Grants
Panel.
__________________________ _______________
(signature) (date)
Witness:
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__________________________ _______________
(signature) (date)
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Letter of offer
Name
StreetSuburb State Post Code
Dear
Re: Enhanced Service Offer Name
Thank you for your application for a grant under the 2013-2014 Enhanced Service Offer.
A Panel of government and community representatives has reviewed all applications and hasrecommended offering you the following:
Item Recommended Funding
Total Grant Offer
Please find attached three documents related to this offer:
A grant Acceptance Form (ESO 4)
A Statement by Supplier Form
AnAcquittal Form (ESO 8)
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How to Accept the Offer guide
Step 1
1) Complete the Grant Acceptance Form; this form advises Disability ACT that you wish
to accept the funds. Only the person who has applied or (if applicable) their legal guardian
may sign the form.
2) Complete the Statement by a Supplier; this form will enable Disability ACT to make
the payment to you without deducting taxation. On this form you are considered to be the
supplier, please write the applicants name in the name of supplier section.
In relation to Section A3 please mark with an X the box entitled The supply is made by an
individual or partnership without a reasonable expectation of profit or gain.
3) Return the completed and signed Grant Acceptance and Statement by a Supplier
forms to:
Enhanced Service Offer
c/o Contracts and Grants Unit (CGU)
Community Services Directorate
GPO Box 158CANBERRA ACT 2601
Please note you have a maximum of 30 days to accept and return both the Grant Acceptance
Form and the Statement of Supplier form to CGU. After this time, this offer is no longer valid
and is withdrawn. Withdrawn offers will be re-allocated to the next ranked grant applicant.
The Community Services Directorate will make an EFTPOS payment to your bank account in
accordance with your payment advice in your Grant Acceptance Form. Payments are usually
made within three weeks after receiving the completed Grant Acceptance Forms.
After you receive the funding:Step 2
1) You are required to spend the funds within the 12 month period. Please retain
receipts for what you spend.
2) When you have spent the funds, you are required to complete the Grant Acquittal
Form (enclosed), which details how the funds were spent, send the Grant Acquittal Form
and copies of your receipts to:
Enhanced Service Offer
c/o Contracts and Grants Unit (CGU)
Community Services DirectorateGPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Please note acquittal must be done within 30 days of expenditure or no later than 12
months from the date of Offer.
If you no longer require the grant:
Please advise the Contracts and Grants Unit within 30 days if you no longer require the
grant. The funds may then be reallocated to next ranked grant applicant. Please contact the
ESO Administrator on 6207 8980 [email protected] you have any queries regarding
this Letter of Offer.
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Acquittal Form ESO Form 8
To be completed within 30 days of expenditure or no later than 12 months from the date of
Offer.
I,Applicants Name ofAddress wish to acquit the grant from Community Services
Directorate for:
Aids, Equipments and minor Modifications
Quality of Life items
Flexible Support and Services
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT:
Funding of $_________was spent for the purpose specified in the Letter of Offer.
I have attached documents, e.g.: receipts, as evidence of the expenditure as required.
Dated this..................................day of ...............................................20__
Signed: ................................................................................
Community Organisation/Third Party Confirmation (If applicable):
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT:
Funding of $_________was spent for the purpose specified in the Letter of Offer.
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Signed: ______________________________ Date: _______________________________
Position/Occupation: _______________________________________________________
Agency or Organisation:_____________________________________________________
Phone:__________________________ Email:___________________________________
Please complete this form when funds are spent, make a copy for your records and then
send the originals to:
Enhanced Service Offer
c/o Contract and Grants Unit
Community Service Directorate
GPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
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Acceptance Form ESO Form 4(To be returned within 30 days of date of Offer)
I, Name ofAddress wish to accept the following grant under the Enhanced Service
Offer.
ItemRecommended
Allocation
$
$
$
$
$
Total Grant Offer $
I understand that it is my responsibility to use the funds only for this purpose, and
that if I no longer require the grant I will return these funds to the Contracts and
Grants Unit, ACT Community Services Directorate.
I will complete the Acquittal Form (ESO Form 8) and return it to the Contracts and
Grants Unit with any unspent funds and receipts as evidence of expenditure, within30 days of expenditure or no later than 12 months from the date of Offer.
________________________________________________
Signature of the grant recipients
________________________________________________
Name (Printed)
Dated this ______ (day) of __________ (month) _____________ (year)
Authorisation (if not signed by the applicant)
I have the authority to provide these details on behalf of the person named above.
________________________________________________
Signature of the grant recipients authorised representative
________________________________________________
Name (Printed) and relationship to the applicant
Dated this ____ (day) of __________ (month) _____________ (year)
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Payment Advice:
A. Nominated Bank Account
I wish to receive the grant and to manage the grant myself. Please make the payment
via:
Electronic Fund Transfer, to my nominated bank account.
Please supply bank details
Bank
Branch
Bank Account Name
BSB Number
Bank Account Number
Or
B. Nominate a Community Organisation (Agency)
I wish to nominate an organisation to receive and manage the grant on my
behalf.
My preferred provider has agreed to the arrangement and has completed a
Funded Support Plan (ESO Form 5).
Name of organisation and contact
person
Postal Address and telephone contacts
or
C. Assistance to engage a Community Organisation (Agency)
I wish to accept the grant and would like assistance to identify the best way for me to
manage the grant.
Or
D. Nominate a Third Party
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I wish to nominate a Third Party to receive and manage the grant on my behalf.
The third Party has agreed to this arrangement.
Third Party Name
Contact Person
Postal Address
Telephone Contact
Email Address
Document checklist to be returned to Community Service Directorate.
Acceptance Form(ESO Form 4)
Statement by Supplier Form
Funded Support Plan(ESO Form 5), if nominating an organisation to receive the grant.
Please return all forms to:
Enhanced Service Offer
c/o Contracts and Grants UnitCommunity Services Directorate
GPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
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Treating Therapist Initial Application Support Checklist
Enhanced Service Offer Applications for aids, equipment, environmental adaptations, minor
modifications for Privately Owned Homes or Vehicles.
This form only needs to be completed by the applicants current treating therapist and ifthe
application is for an item which may increase the persons independence and/or reduce
their reliance on paid or unpaid supports.
Applicants are also able to apply for a Quality of Life Grant for items which may not have a
therapeutic benefit but which may enhance the applicants quality of life. Therapist
confirmation is not needed for those requests.
This form will provide initial verification that the items is generally appropriate for your
client to enable the assessing Panel to make an in principle recommendation. Further
assessment or clinical assistance may be a requirement of funding depending on the item
requested.
Name of Client: DOB
Diagnosis or support need related to the requested item:
Describe the Item Requested:
Please tick relevant box YES NO
Does the item appropriately meet the functional needs of the applicant
Is the item available through ACTES/or other Government program?
Will the person require further assessment before purchasing the item?
If Yes, who should do this assessment/prescription? DETAIL
Therapy ACT Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist
Community Aged Rehabilitation Service Speech Pathologist, Occupational
Therapist, PhysiotherapistSupplier:
Other:
What is the generally expected price range for this item:
Name of Clinician: Signature:
Date: Contact Details:
Organisation:
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