Governance

A clear governance structure ensures effective reform through the coordination and resolution of challenges that impact the human services system.

The ACT human services system includes health and human services that are delivered by government or through partnership with the non-government sector. Human services investment supports a safe, healthy, and inclusive community and improved quality of life for Canberrans.

The ACT human services system spans many sectors including safety, emergency and material aid, physiological and mental health, housing, child, and family, legal, employment, transit, education, recreation and culture. Human services contribute to daily living, to enable individuals, families and other groups in the community to develop, cope, function and contribute to life and society.

Every year the ACT Government invests over $200 million into non-government organisations to deliver parts of the human services system. The ACT Government delivers remaining human services through publicly funded services and through relationships with private and other providers.

The Commissioning Roadmap 2022-2024External Link, sets out the strategic intentions and challenges of commissioning and identifies forecasted commissioning activity. Through commissioning, we are designing and delivering services that Canberrans seek out every year and are working to ensure people get the right support, where and when they need it.

Commissioning Senior Officials Group

To support this complex, wide-ranging reform, the Commissioning Senior Officials Group (CSOG) has been established. CSOG represents a Whole of Government approach to commissioning. CSOG represents multiple Directorates that are actively driving or contributing to commissioning and reform of the human services system. It will drive effective performance, provide responsible stewardship and promote ethical behaviour as the ACT reforms its human service sector.

Core members of CSOG will include senior executive service staff from ACT Government directorates who are actively driving or contributing to commissioning and reform of the human services system.

Initially officers will be drawn from the Community Services, ACT Health, Justice and Community Safety, and the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorates.

In addition, other key members of the ACT public service may be invited to participate in CSOG to support its goals.

The Commissioning Senior Officials Group (CSOG) is authorised to make decisions and resolve strategic challenges that impact the effectiveness of commissioning, or the ability of government and the sector to successfully reform the human service system by 2030.

CSOG will use its cross-directorate oversight to ensure integration of reform activities.  It will support the commissioning-led reform of the human services sector by:

  • Making strategic commissioning decisions.
  • Directing actions on key systems challenges such as: 
    • the transition of programs and human service sub-sectors to commissioning-led funding models.
    • establishing outcome-based contracts.
    • valuing and connecting data.
  • Engaging directly with sector leaders to inform decision making and collaborative action on priority reform activities.

CSOG is responsible and accountable for strategic challenges that impact the effectiveness of commissioning or reform. These strategic challenges may relate to or include matters impacting the commissioning priorities:

  • Greater co-production and accountability;
  • Self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Communities;
  • Person centred, outcomes-based investment and contracting;
  • Improved policy, systems, and governance;
  • Greater industry capacity, sustainability, and innovation; and

Improving data and research that drives investment and outcomes.

It will provide authority, sustainable decisions, and greater clarity where there is complexity. CSOG’s establishment will reinforce accountability across government and the non-government sector where commissioning is being applied.

It is anticipated CSOG will be guided by a range of policy documents. The guiding documents include:

The CSOG will lliaise and seek advice or input from leaders in the non-government sector on matters impacting human service system reform.

CSOG Sector Engagement Forum Summary - September 2023 [PDF 236KB] [Word 34KB]

Page updated: 06 Mar 2024