14 - youthsafe

Preventing serious injury in young people

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14YOUTHSAFE‘Preventing serious injury in young people’

Address: PO Box 3023 Putney NSW 2112Phone: (02) 9817-7847Fax: (02) 9817-0360Email: [email protected]: www.youthsafe.org

ABN 91 068 371 022

Youthsafe gratefully acknowledges the contributions made by our supporters:• The Centre for Road Safety, Transport for NSW• Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health• Australian National Preventive Health agency (ANPHA)

Youthsafe is a not for profit organisation with charitable fundraising authority in NSW.

If you value the contributions young people make at work, in your teams or to society in general, please make a donation to Youthsafe to help keep our young people safe, happy and free from serious injury.

At this stage donations to Youthsafe are not tax deductible.

Support for Youthsafe

14 14CONTENTS

1 Young people and injury prevention

2 About Youthsafe / Strategic directions

3 Organisational structure

4 President’s report

6 Treasurer’s report

9 Consumer rights and complaints handling procedures

11 Commitment to quality

12 Corporate governance policy

13 Code of conduct

14 Work health and safety / Waste reduction

15 Board of Directors

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Youthsafe’s history

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1www.youthsafe.org14

YOUNG PEOPLE & INJURY PREVENTION

In NSW there are 995,353 young people aged 15 to 24 years with at least 60% living in metropolitan areas. More than 3% are Aboriginal and 11% are from culturally diverse communities. It is normal and important for young people to be out and about having new experiences, developing more independence, acquiring new skills and socialising with friends. However there are associated injury risks we need to recognise and manage. Unintentional injury is the single biggest cause of death and disability amongst young people aged 15 to 25 years. • Young people are over-represented in injury statistics compared with other age groups. • Injuries to young males are more frequent and more severe than for females.• Transport is the leading cause of injury and death in young people in Australia.• Injuries limit future activities and choices, which often persist across the life span.

…yet many of the deaths and injuries amongst young people are preventable.

Other contributors to injury risks in young people include:• New levels of independence • Inexperience with new situations• Desire for experimentation and thrill seeking, including alcohol and other drug use• Risk taking tendencies • Still developing maturity, hazard perception and decision making • Strong influence of peers • Overconfidence in own ability and a sense of invulnerability

We value young people so we want to see safer environments, communities that are supportive of young people and assistance for young people to learn to be independent and make decisions that will help reduce the risk of injury without limiting their opportunities or sense of fun.

Everyone has a role to play in injury prevention in young people, which is why Youthsafe supports a whole of community approach.

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Youthsafe is an independent, not for profit organisation and peak body for ‘preventing serious injury in young people’ aged 15 to 25 years in NSW.

Youthsafe is involved in youth injury prevention on the roads, in workplaces and in sport and social settings.

Youthsafe primarily works with organisations and individuals who are in a position to influence young people and their safety. We provide information about the latest research on youth injury priorities and effective prevention strategies and we support community based organisations and individuals in developing suitable interventions.

ABOUT YOUTHSAFE

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 2010 -2015What... Youthsafe is working to:

• Increase recognition of the importance of injury prevention.

• Promote evidence about effective measures and best practice.

• Involve others in a multi-strategic approach.

• Engage the wider community in supporting young people.

• Assist young people to become risk aware and make safer decisions.

• Advocate for priority resourcing.

How... Through our key focus areas of:

• Better awareness and understanding - in the community including young people and parents

• Informed decision making - in government.

• Enhanced capacity - in community based professionals.

• Strategic partnerhips - with stakeholders.

• Effective infrastructure -to support Youthsafe functions.

Who... Our main consumers are community based profesionals and our partners and other stakeholders include:

• Researchers.

• Educators.

• Government.

• Other NGO’s.

• Health services.

• Youth services.

• Young people.

• Parents of young people.

• Sports coaches.• Employers.

Where... We seek results in places where young people are at risk of injury including:

• On the roads.

• In workplaces.

• In sport and recreation settings.

• In other social environments.

Values... Underpinning our work are:

• The views, happiness and safety of young people.

• The independence, professionalism and integrity of Youthsafe.

• Evidence based practice and partnerships in youth injury prevention.

• Mutual respect and shared responsibility.

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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Youthsafe Board of Directors

Management

ManagerHealth Promotion

& Advocacy

Co-ordinatorEducation &

Presenter Program

Project Co-ordinators

& O�cers

Research & Data

Advocacy& Media

Co-ordinatorCommunications

AdministrationCasual Presenters

BusinessDevelopment

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2014

AssociateProfessorJamesMiddletonMBBSPhDFAFRM(RACP)FACRM

Youthsafe has continued to demonstrate excellence in another busy program of activity during 2013/14.

LDMP support has been seen as a priority by Youthsafe in reaching disadvantaged communities, particularly Aboriginal communities, and supporting the road safety intent of the 120 hours of supervised driving required of learner drivers in NSW. Youthsafe has had a strong rural presence delivering information sessions in Dubbo and Coonamble, as well as Sydney, for organisations and community groups interested in running a LDMP. Youthsafe has also delivered mentor training in Shellharbour, Griffith, Dubbo and Gosford in addition to Sydney.

Youthsafe was also winner of the community category of the Australian Road Safety Foundation Awards in November 2013. This award recognised Youthsafe’s work in incorporating road safety into support provided to learner driver mentor programs (LDMPs), including mentor training and the LDMP toolkit developed by Youthsafe..

Also in the road safety space, Youthsafe has been instrumental in the development and rollout of the Safer Drivers Course having been contracted by Transport for NSW to provide expert input to the content and materials and deliver training to Safer Drivers Course facilitators and coaches. Over 500 facilitators/coaches have been trained by Youthsafe to date and participant evaluations have consistently delivered a greater than 97% satisfaction rate.

A trial of an interactive session with larger groups of students was undertaken in collaboration with South West Connect and Events Cinemas focusing on novice driver safety. A fast paced program combining live components and the big screen took place at Events cinemas at Liverpool, Hurstville and Castle Hill eliciting great responses from participants. Complementary sessions were also made available for teachers and parents to ensure a multi-strategic approach. This trial saw the development of some creative approaches which can be adapted for large groups in other settings.

Development of an innovative new young worker safety program ‘On Target’ was completed this year in collaboration with the Group Training Association (GTA) and with support from the former Australian Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA). This program particularly addresses binge drinking amongst young workers but has a wider application with the goal-setting approach adopted. Electronic access to this interactive program is available through various mediums including computers, tablet devices and smartphones.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Youthsafe has continued to engage with tertiary students, fostering a more in-depth understanding of injury prevention amongst upcoming professionals who will be working with young people. This year Youthsafe hosted students from Macquarie University including a Health Management student for work experience and Physiotherapy students for a work health and safety clinical placements over several months. Lectures have also been delivered to over 200 students at the University of Sydney, Australian Catholic University and Macquarie University in PDHPE teacher and physiotherapy programs.

Support for community based professionals, school based sessions for young people and a suite of resources has continued to be available this year, in large part due to support from NSW Health.

The Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) external accreditation review in November 2013 resulted in Youthsafe attaining full accreditation for three years for the third time. All Australasian Quality Improvement Council standards for community organisations were met with the standard ‘Incorporation of and contribution to good practice’ achieving a ‘standard exceeded’ rating.

Our thanks go to all Youthsafe’s funders for their support during the year.

The efforts and ongoing commitment of all the Youthsafe Directors is also gratefully acknowledged and of course the Youthsafe team for all their efforts in supporting the prevention of serious injury in young people.

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TREASURER’S REPORTIan Bourne

Youthsafe accounts have been audited and meet all the conditions under relevant regulatory requirements and contain an unqualified audit report. Reduced disclosures allowed to not-for-profit organisations and companies limited by guarantee have been adopted which eliminates some notes that are of little relevance to Youthsafe accounts.

Youthsafe remains financially secure for the short term, with net assets of $1,456K at 30 June 2014 (last year $1,229k) with adequate cash flows to meet obligations.

Revenue increased by 12% largely due to grant income received.

Overall expenditure was slightly higher at $934K (last year $910K) mainly due to project related costs. Employment costs remained relatively stable and there were slight decreases in administration and depreciation expenses.

The net operating result was $157K surplus (last year $56K).

We acknowledge and appreciate the financial support of The Centre for Road Safety, Transport for NSW, Northern Sydney Local Health District and the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.

We note that there are changes in future government funding arrangements on the horizon which may present challenges for the organisation.

Youthsafe will continue to work at securing our funding base and Board and staff remain positive of the potential for additional project funding from other sources.

The Board of Directors also appreciates the efforts of Youthsafe staff in delivering meaningful outcomes and quality services. We are also grateful for the support and assistance of Bill Hooker in maintaining our accounting records and our auditors, Thomas GLC for their work in preparing our annual accounts.

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TREASURER’S REPORTItemisedProfitandLossStatementfor the year ended 30 June 2014

2014 2013

INCOME: Government and other grants Centre for Road Safety, Transport NSW NSLHDWorkcover ANPHAOther

603,183158,716

2,436236,678

1,001,013

577,651153,480

120,00018,832

869,963

Other income Service income Interest Donations and other income

TOTAL INCOME

30,66856,216

3,637

1,091,534

18,52378,125

257

966,868

Expenses Employment expenses Program & promotion expenses Occupancy costs Corporate & administration expensesTOTAL EXPENSES

620,041135,586

59,640118,896

934,163

603,431

98,18859,194

149,380910,193

Operating surplus / (deficit) 157,371 56,675

Impairment of non-current investment Loss on disposal of non-current assets

476,000

Surplus / (deficit) for the year 157,371 532,675

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TREASURER’S REPORTBalanceSheetComparativefor the year ended 30 June 2014

2014 2013

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Receivables and other assets TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

1,620,401 19,855

1,640,256

2,043,012 44,135

2,087,147

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Plant and equipment

2,096

20,762

TOTAL ASSETS 1,642,352 2,107,909

CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables Provisions TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

41,643

127,074 168,717

684,637108,069

792,706

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Provisions TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

17,251 17,251

16,191 16,191

TOTAL LIABILITIES 185,968 808,897

NET ASSETS 1,456,384 1,299,012

EQUITY Retained earnings Reserves TOTAL EQUITY

1,456,384

1,456,384

1,299,012

1,299,012

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CONSUMERRIGHTS& COMPLAINTSHANDLING

Youthsafe has a documented statement of Consumer Rights & Complaints Handling Procedures which is readily available on the Youthsafe website and published each year in the annual report.

During 2013/14 there were no complaints and two unsolicited accolades.

Youthsafe’s statement of Consumer Rights & Complaints Handling Procedures is as follows:

Consumers of any service have a right to expect quality service delivery and the opportunity to provide feedback, including making a complaint about that service.

This statement sets out the rights of consumers of Youthsafe services and Youthsafe’s commitment to support those rights, including an effective complaints handling system.

Consumer RightsAs a consumer of Youthsafe services you have the following rights:

1. To be treated fairly and with respect - you can expect to be listened to, taken seriously and treated politely.

2. To confidentiality - information about you will not be provided to anyone outside Youthsafe without your permission.

3. To withdraw from service provision - you may choose at any time to ask Youthsafe to cease delivery of services and

remove your details from the Youthsafe contact lists.

4. To have information - you can expect to be provided with information about Youthsafe services and about youth

injury prevention that is accurate to the best of Youthsafe’s knowledge.

5. To receive appropriate and timely responses to needs - you can expect that Youthsafe services will be appropriate

to your needs and provided in a timely manner, within the parameters of Youthsafe’s role and available resources.

6. To receive quality services - you can expect to receive services which are well managed, planned and coordinated

and supported by a continuous quality improvement program.

7. To appeal - if you are unhappy with the conduct or a decision of a Youthsafe staff member you have the right to

discuss this with the relevant staff member or the Chief Executive and to make a complaint. [For more information

see ‘Complaints Handling Procedures’.]

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CONSUMERRIGHTS& COMPLAINTSHANDLING

Complaints Handling ProceduresAs a consumer of Youthsafe services you can provide verbal or written feedback at any time to assist Youthsafe’s program of continuous quality improvement.

If you feel the need to make a complaint this may be done verbally or in writing at any time. Complaints will be taken seriously, handled with sensitivity and managed as quickly as possible.

What to do if you have a complaint:1. Raise your concern with the relevant staff member who will try to resolve your complaint fairly, promptly and

effectively.2. If you feel a matter is not adequately resolved with the relevant staff member, write or speak to Youthsafe’s Chief

Executive who will undertake any necessary investigation, internal review or other appropriate action to address your concern, including arranging mediation if relevant.

3. If you feel there has not been satisfactory resolution you can write to the President of Youthsafe’s Board of Directors with your concern.

If required, Community Justice Centres can provide external mediation services. This is a free service in NSW.

For complaints regarding allegations of abuse against a child the NSW Ombudsman provides an external avenue for complaint resolution.

Contact Details

Youthsafe Chief Executive Address: PO Box 3023 PUTNEY NSW 2112Phone: (02)9817 7847 Fax: (02) 9817 0360 Email: [email protected]

Youthsafe PresidentAddress: PO Box 3023 PUTNEY NSW 2112

NSW Community Justice Centreswww.cjc.nsw.gov.au

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COMMITMENTTOQUALITY

Youthsafe is a fully accredited organisation as assessed by Quality Management Services (QMS). This demonstrates our compliance with all the standards set by the Australasian Quality Improvement Council (QIC) for health and community services and our commitment to consistently work on improving what we do and how we do it.

The accreditation process involves: • Internal review engaging the whole team in reviewing the standards and identifying items for action, both short term

and long term. • Documentation of a ‘quality journal’ that describes our systems, how they operate, how we check that they are

effective, action we take to improve systems and supporting evidence.• External review by QMS reviewers who inspect the premises, review documentation such as policies and procedures,

strategic plans, reports, program records, budgets, audits, surveys and consultations; and interview stakeholders, staff, management and Board.

• Development and implementation of a quality workplan.

Youthsafe went through an external service review in 2003 before undertaking our first full accreditation review in 2007, the second at the end of 2010 and our third completed November 2013. Youthsafe met all the standards and for one standard received a rating of ‘standard exceeded’. Youthsafe is proud to be a QIC Accredited organisation, with sound management systems and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. Youthsafe supports the QMS philosophy that ‘quality is the result of a way of working rather than a single event or set of events’. Continuous quality improvement is really just part of everyday life at Youthsafe.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICY

Youthsafe’s Corporate Governance Policy is as follows: Objective:Youthsafe’s Board of Directors – bringing independent, informed and objective views to Youthsafe’s decision making.

Role of Board of Directors:The role of the Youthsafe Board of Directors is to provide direction, oversee performance and ensure financial viability.

The responsibilities of the Board include the following.General Responsibilities:• Understanding Youthsafe, its business, its operating environment and its financial position.• Understanding the leadership role of the Board as distinct from management responsibilities.• Assisting management to maintain performance objectives as a priority.• Asking appropriate questions and making informed decisions.• Applying individual expertise and skills in Youthsafe’s best interests.• Respecting the collective, cabinet nature of the Board’s decisions.

Providing Direction:• Establishing Youthsafe’s vision, mission, values and ethical standards, engaging staff and stakeholders through the process.• Approving corporate policies, key performance indicators and strategic plans.

Overseeing Performance:• Delegating an appropriate level of responsibility to management and ensuring the necessary managerial skills are available.• Requiring and monitoring legal and regulatory compliance including corporate legislation, W H&S and accounting

requirements.• Ensuring effective internal controls are in place and operating effectively, particularly in respect of risk management.• Supporting quality improvement at all levels.• Crisis management if required.

Ensuring Financial Viability:• Understanding and protecting Youthsafe’s financial position, including long term viability.• Monitoring financial statements and investments.• Approving annual accounts.• Appointing auditors.

The Board recognises management responsibilities to be as follows:• Accountability.• Operating within delegated authorities.• Maintaining an appropriate level of skill and resources.• Performing against the established key performance areas and delivering on Youthsafe objectives.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

Board members, management and staff agree to:• Act with honesty and integrity at all times.• Carry out duties diligently.• Demonstrate exemplary behaviour in regard to safety and risk management.• Respect the rights and views of young people.• Respect colleagues both within Youthsafe and outside.• Declare any real, perceived or potential conflict of interest and act to manage this appropriately.• Not use confidential information to improperly gain a personal advantage or for the benefit of another person or

organisation.• Demonstrate commitment to Youthsafe’s mission of preventing serious injury in young people.• Consider the best interests of Youthsafe in fulfilling responsibilities.• Refrain from making public comments expressing a personal view where this is in conflict with Youthsafe’s position.

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WORK HEALTH & SAFETY (WHS)

Considering Youthsafe’s mission of injury prevention, Work Health and Safety (WHS) is something we take seriously. The fact that we need to ensure our stakeholders are familiar with current WHS policies and procedures means that we are able to apply this to our own office environment.

The safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors is protected through our current policies, strategies and procedures related to WHS. We hold regular staff in-service sessions on a number of WHS-related topics, have trained designated first aid officers and fire safety officers hold regular fire drills to ensure staff are familiar with safety and evacuation procedures. Maintenance procedures, incident/accident reports and the fact that WHS is a standing agenda item for staff and Board meetings ensure WHS around the office is regularly considered.

Staff are further protected from injury by encouraging regular breaks to avoid prolonged sitting and excessive computer use. In case of staff harm or injury, Youthsafe has a documented “return to work” program,

in line with WorkCover regulations. WorkCover and Worker’s Compensation Insurer guidelines are preserved in case of any compensation claims.

External, qualified professionals are engaged on a six-monthly basis to check fire extinguishers, exit lighting and smoke detectors as well as all electrical equipment and power sources. Our offices and immediate surrounds are designated smoke-free.

Although Youthsafe is a small organisation, we work hard to reduce our impact on the environment. We follow the general waste reduction principles of:• Avoiding unnecessary use of materials.• Reusing materials where possible.• Recycling/reprocessing materials where possible.• Disposing of materials if no other option is feasible.

In applying these principles, we regularly implement the following strategies:• Use recycling bins for paper, plastics, glass and toner cartridges.• Set the printers to ‘duplex’ to reduce paper use.• Connect staff to an IT network to encourage electronic information exchange and viewing of material.• Switch off lights and computers at the end of each day as part of our ‘Office Lock Up’ procedures.

WASTE REDUCTION

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Associate Professor, James Middleton, MBBS, PhD, FACRM, FAFRM (RACP) Board Member since 1997. President since 1998

Board Member since 1997. President since 1998 James is the Director of the State Spinal Cord Injury Service located at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney, Senior Medical Specialist for the NSW Spinal Outreach Service and Associate Professor in the Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney. In addition James holds an Honorary Senior Staff Specialist position in the Spinal Cord Injuries Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital. James also sits on a range of scientific advisory and steering committees.

Vice President Dr Jane Elkington, BSc, MPH, PhD Board Member since 1999, Vice President since 2008

Jane is a Consultant in health and safety to a range of government and non-government organisations, as well as a part time researcher with the George Institute for international health. She has over 15 years experience in research, policy development and program development in injury prevention. Jane’s appointments include a number of state and national ministerial advisory committees.

Treasurer Ian Bourne, CA Board Member since January 2000

Ian is a Chartered Accountant and is currently Regional Finance Manager with UnitingCare Ageing. Ian has over 30 years experience in the field of Finance and Business Administration, including his previous role as Director of Finance, Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney and before that many years working with a major international accounting firm.

Board Member Jennifer Alcock, BSc, Grad Dip OT, MA (Communication Management)

Board Member since 2001Jennifer is a specialist in the area of human performance. She has a background in occupational therapy, health promotion and community safety, having worked for the NSW and Australian Government health departments and Sydney University. Jenny currently works with the Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Member David Riches, B Ed, Dip Teaching Board Member since 2009

David is Director of his own road safety consultancy firm, with government and local councils his main clients. He has worked as a teacher, road safety education consultant with the Department of Education, road safety manager with the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority and senior manager in injury prevention and health promotion with Area Health Services. As such David brings a wealth of experience in education and strategic planning, as well as road safety and injury prevention for young people. David is also President of the Board of the Arthritis Foundation NSW, providing excellent insights into the NGO sector.

Board Member Gareth Lewis, LLB Law Society of NSW Board Member since 2010

Gareth is a Solicitor and Registered Migration Agent who established his own law firm after working for some time as a Senior Associate in a large litigation practice. He has extensive experience in acting for both corporate and personal clients and his work has involved him in the jurisdictions of most Courts and Tribunals. Gareth’s current practice focuses on migration, small to medium business, litigation, family and crime. Gareth is well equipped to understand serious injury and the importance of prevention through his experience in Workers Compensation, Motor Accidents and Personal Injury law. Gareth’s current work in Migration Law also provides some valuable insights into achieving Youthsafe’s mission in a broader multi-cultural community.

Board Member Max Lloyd- Jones Board Member since 2010

Max is Managing Director of the Lloyd-Jones Meakin Group. Under his leadership, the group has assisted major Australian and global organisations rapidly shift their culture and improve their performance, using safety as a business driver. Max started out in his business career as an Accountant working for various US multinational corporations and gained a great deal of experience across a large number of markets, countries and cultures, then moved through several general and senior business management opportunities before establishing his strategic safety consultancy.

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YOUTHSAFE’S HISTORY

Youthsafe started out in 1982 as the ‘Awareness and Prevention Program’. This program was established by Assoc Professor John Yeo in an effort to raise awareness of spinal cord injury and prevention through a team of ‘Wheelchair Presenters’ who spoke at schools across NSW.

1995 saw the program move to incorporation as a company and a name change to Spinesafe then Spinesafe Education Program a little later.

There were further significant changes between 1998 and 2000 as the organisation undertook a strategic review and moved to establish a ‘Youthsafe’ program with a broader focus on preventing serious injury in young people.

By 2003 a new constitution with youth injury prevention objects had been adopted, the company name ‘Youthsafe’ was registered and a new look logo developed.

This was also the year Youthsafe embarked on a formal quality improvement process undertaking an external review with Quality Management Services (QMS). Since then Youthsafe has completed two full accreditation cycles rating leading practice in a least 3 standards each time.

Youthsafe has continued to develop and grow into a healthy organisation with a high level of credibility and leading the way in youth injury prevention.

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