Content

• About the NSW Health NGO Program
• NSW Health NGO Program Review
• NSW Health NGO Unit
• NGO Advisory Committee
• NGO Quality Working Group
• Links

About the NSW Health NGO Program

The NSW Health Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Program provides funding to eligible organisations for the provision of specified health services and projects in NSW.

In 2010-11, a total of $146 million was funded to over 300 organisations through more than 510 grants. An estimated $100 million in additional funding was provided to NGOs through contract, sponsorship and other grants.

The NSW Health NGO Program funds a wide range of health and related services that include direct health services, health promotion, community development, social research, and advocacy. It spans a number of program areas, including Aboriginal health, mental health, drug and alcohol, AIDS and infectious diseases, oral health, women’s health, youth health, and chronic illness.

The NSW Health NGO Program is governed by the NSW Health NGO Policy Framework and NSW Health Operational Guidelines Non-Government Organisation Grant Program (under review).

NSW Health NGO Program Review

In 2009-10, NSW Health undertook a review to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of the Health NGO Program. The final review made recommendations to:

1. Reduce red tape and improve NSW Health NGO Program administration
2. Strengthen accountabilities and improve the performance monitoring and service evaluation of the NSW Health NGO Program
3. Strengthen partnerships and revise governance arrangements of the NSW Health NGO Program

The final NGO Review Recommendations Report is available on the NSW Health website. NCOSS submissions to review process can be downloaded from the Resources section of the NCOSS website. The NSW Health has developed an implementation plan led by the Health NGO Unit.

NSW Health NGO Unit

A new central Health NGO Unit has been established to undertake program governance and administration and to implement the Review recommendations.

Following the restructure of the former Area Health Service (AHS) in January 2011, NSW Health is undertaking internal consultation on the on-going role of the NGO Coordinators and new Local Health Districts in relation to grant management and administration.

Current priorities for the Health NGO Unit are:

1. Review NGO Program policies and procedures
2. Review NGO funding cycle
3. NGO ICT Grants Management Program

The NGO Unit is lead by A/Associate Director Joanne Young.

Health NGO Advisory Committee

The NGO Advisory Committee (NGOAC) is the senior forum to facilitate collaboration between NSW Health and the NGO sector. It provides advice on the development and implementation of NSW Health policy, the NGO Program and the relationship with the NGO Sector. Download the Terms of Reference.

The NGOAC is chaired by the Deputy Director-General, Strategic Development, NSW Health. Membership of the Committee includes NGOs, NSW Health, academics and consumers. NGO members include the 7 health peak bodies and 4 additional organisations selected for a three year tenure following an EOI process.

Meetings are held three times a year. The next meeting is 30 August 2011.  Download the membership as at August 2011.

The NGOAC was re-formed in June 2011 following a period of suspension during the NGO Program Review.

NGO Quality Working Group

A time-limited NGO Quality Working Group has been established to advise the development of a new Quality Framework for the NGO Program.

Membership of the Working Group includes:

• Council of Social Service of New South Wales (NCOSS)
• Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC)
• Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (NADA) and
• Women’s Health NSW

Links

• NSW Health NGO Program:  http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/business/ngo_program.asp 

Information

• Solange Frost, NCOSS Senior Policy Officer
  ph: 02 9211 2599, ext 130
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