Speak Out April 2020 DIGITAL VERSION. pdf

Association news

Board meeting report March 2020

The first Board meeting for 2020 was held in Melbourne on 13 - 14 March. The agenda for this meeting covered a broad range of topics, however none quite as pressing as the need for the Association to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 Pandemic The Board considered the broad range of impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, on the Association, the Membership, speech pathology students and those with communication difficulties. The need to provide current, relevant and ongoing information to the membership, via a range of means such as eNews and social media was acknowledged, with employees to remain accessible, via both telephone and email, to respond to member queries. The sharing of information through member Facebook Groups was also acknowledged as being highly valuable. The ability for national office staff to continue to provide highly responsive member services through this time, from a remote location was discussed. A business continuity and specific COVID-19 Action Plan has been put in place and activated for this period. In addition, the Association is aiming to support members with new initiatives, including the provision of a complimentary webinar, 'Recovering from business interruption due to the Covid-19', formed by Realise Business, and the formation of a dedicated telehealth resource. These resources are accessible via Speech Pathology Australia’s website. The Association has also taken the necessary step to postpone the planned National Conference in Darwin this May. This conference has since been rescheduled and will run from 30 May – 2 June 2021. While we are very disappointed given the excellent work of the 2020 Conference Planning Committee, we anticipate much of the same in terms of program and events will be put in place for next year. The Association’s Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony will be via virtual means, with members encouraged to support this initiative. Details of this event will be circulated once confirmed. Some of the other key discussions from the meeting are noted below: Majority World Countries and Developing Communities Grant A significant increase in the competition for the Majority World Countries and Developing Communities Grants has been experienced over the last two years, with the Board acknowledging the need to utilise members with specific knowledge in this area, to redesign the review process. Accordingly, all current applications have been placed on hold at this time. While we are regretful for the delay to outcomes, it is important to ensure a fair and equitable review process for all applicants.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee The Association remains highly committed to a process of reconciliation and addressing the inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as outlined within the Reconciliation Action Plan. In order to further progress the items outlined within the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the Association is seeking the engage a RAP Support Project Officer. In addition, amendments to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference were accepted, including an expansion of the committee, to allow for a broader representation of advice and views from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Directors, Branch Chairs and Association staff will be participating in the biennial, national survey of reconciliation, the 'Workplace Reconciliation Barometer', due to commence in April 2020 (this has since been postponed). 2019 Financial year accounts and audit outcomes The meeting featured a presentation of the 2019 Financial Year Accounts and Audit outcomes, by the Association’s appointed auditors HLB Mann Judd. Once finalised the financial statements will be provided to all members within the 2019 Annual Report. With COVID-19 related restrictions in place, members will be invited to attend the 2020 Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony, via electronic means. We look forward to bringing you further information regarding this shortly. 2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan The Association’s 2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan has been finalised, with project plans having been formed to progress a range of priority projects. A copy of the 2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan summary will be made available to all members shortly. The Board also reviewed the outcomes of the 2017-2019 Strategic Plan, acknowledging how ambitious this plan was and the significant amount of work undertaken within the period. Climate change In acknowledging that climate change is a priority for members and the community, the Board agreed to form a working party to provide recommendations on measures the Association, members and clients can take to manage the impact of climate change, with a focus on the impact on those with communication and swallowing difficulties. The Board will next meet, via electronic means, on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May 2020. Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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April 2020 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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