BINSA 2010-14 Strategic Directions and Operational Priorities Plan

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Brain Injury Network of South Australia Inc.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2010 – 2014

Strategic Directions Operational Priorities


Foreword What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) definition of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): ...multiple disabilities arising from damage to the brain acquired after birth. It results in deterioration in cognitive, physical, emotional or independent functioning. It can be as a result of accidents, stroke, brain tumours, infection, poisoning, lack of oxygen, degenerative neurological diseases etc. (AIHW, 2007)

ABI dimension in SA Based on the most recent paper scoping the issues pertinent to ABI in SA1 around 1 in 45 Australians (432,700 people) have an acquired brain injury with activity limitations or participation restrictions due to disability. Almost three quarters of these people are aged less than 65 years. When compared to other states in Australia, SA has the second highest incidence of ABI rates, well above the Australian average of 1.8% of the population. Around 2.2% (31, 000) of the SA population live with an ABI. Data from the SA Department of Health (SA Health) shows a steady increase over the five years (2002-2005) in the number of individuals experiencing a traumatic brain injury (closed head injury) and anoxic brain injury (when oxygen levels are significantly low for four minutes or longer). A large proportion of people with ABI live in rural and regional areas. In terms of providing both public and private sector services, SA is known for its ‘small market’ situation due to the state’s geographical vastness and relatively small state population: currently just over 1.6m – representing just 8% of the Australian population. The concentration of specialist brain injury services in metropolitan Adelaide mean that those individuals with an ABI living outside of the metropolitan areas who require rehabilitation face lengthy separation many miles from family and their familiar community.

Brain Injury Network of SA (BINSA) BINSA is the peak body in SA for people with ABI and those who care for them. It is a member-based organisation, which engages with people with an ABI, their families, significant others, service providers and professionals specialising in ABI as well as people and agencies that are interested in the impact of ABI in South Australia. BINSA is governed by a volunteer Committee of Management (COM), comprised of people who have a range of backgrounds and skills and committed to BINSA’s aims and objectives. The COM is responsible for BINSA’s strategic directions and operational priorities. BINSA’s day to day operational and financial management is the responsibility of the Executive Officer, supported by a team of highly qualified and experienced staff. In 2012 BINSA will celebrate 20 years of operation. For a small not-for-profit organisation to remain relevant it has sought to actively review and renew. To support that endeavour 1

Brain Injury Scoping Paper, 2011. Prepared March 2011 by the Brain Injury Workgroup on behalf of the Statewide Rehabilitation Clinical Network

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BINSA has undergone some significant changes in recent years. Long standing staff and COM members who have made significant contributions have retired or moved on, the COM now comprising a spread of long standing members as well as newly elected, including a change over of Chairperson, while retaining a strong representation of members with an ABI, currently three out of the nine COM members. BINSA re-located to larger premises and a more accessible building during late 2009, which is proving to be more conducive to conducting increased activity for members and the sector, although there is a balancing act regarding communication with and visibility of some staff, as offices are located over 2 floors. A considerable number of staff changes, including Executive Officer, occurred during 200910 and has continued into late 2010. Changes that have improved the level of skills and expertise across BINSA’s programs and services, including the up skilling of existing staff. BINSA has secured improved funding for well established initiatives along with funding for new programs. New project/program opportunities are a high priority for 2010-11 and beyond.

BINSA Future Strategic Directions Part of adjusting to ongoing change included undertaking a planning process in mid 2010 to review and restate the purpose and strategic direction of BINSA. Input was sought from members, people with ABI, service providers and BINSA staff as well as scanning for trends and emerging issues relevant to SA and the ongoing challenges facing the needs of people with ABI. As a result BINSA’s key directions and operational priorities for the period 2010-2014 have now been determined to focus on these key directions: Representation Advocacy Information Service Development and Improvement and addressing these operational priorities: Governance Strategic Partners and Collaboration Service Delivery Capabilities Communication

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Mission BINSA strives to increase awareness, acceptance and relevant services in all SA jurisdictions to improve the quality of life, independence and community inclusion of anyone impacted by an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Purpose, Beliefs and Values BINSA, as the peak body representing those impacted by an ABI has a responsibility to ensure anyone with an ABI is given equal consideration in all areas of services, support and care. Individuals with an ABI are often not recognised as having any form of disability due to the sometimes ‘hidden nature’ of their injury. This may result in them not benefitting from the consideration given to others with a more highly visible disability. Therefore BINSA holds the following at its core:

Purpose •

Identify needs and represent issues

Advocate for change and action on issues that cause disadvantage

Identify develop and initiate improved services

Be well informed and actively share information

Deliver specialised services where appropriate.

Beliefs •

Individuals with an ABI, their families and significant others are entitled to the protection of their human, legal , civil and consumer rights

Individuals with an ABI deserve the highest standard of care and support.

Values •

We give voice to people with ABI

We demonstrate mutual respect and courtesy in our respective roles.

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BINSA Strategic Directions Key Result Areas Representation Identify and represent needs and issues relevant to individuals with an ABI, their families, significant others, to service providers, government and the broader community. Advocacy Advocate for change and action on issues that disadvantage people with ABI. Information Be well informed and actively share current information related to ABI. Service Development and Improvement Identify opportunities for service development and improvement to meet the needs for people with ABI their families and significant others.

BINSA Operational Priorities Key Result Areas Governance Committee of Management’s (COM) conduct is fully in accordance with the statutory, fiduciary and legal requirements as per the SA Legislation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1985 (AIA 1985) Strategic Partners and Collaboration Maintain and build key alliances to strengthen our peak body status Service Delivery Where appropriate, deliver services to people with ABI or other significant persons Capabilities Have adequate resources including finances to fulfil the key roles of the organisation Communication Have a strong public profile and with sound public relations strategies

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