4. Responsibilities and Accountabilities Under the Program
4.1 FaHCSIA Responsibilities and Accountabilities
National Office responsibilities and obligations:
- Developing, and monitoring guidelines and program documentation;
- Selection of service providers and administration of Mental Health Community Based Program funding;
- Identifying emerging issues and researching evidence to assist in developing the Mental Health Community Based Program to improve outcomes;
- Ensuring funds are used for the purpose for which they were given and are regularly accounted for;
- Monitoring funded projects against agreed project plans;
- Evaluating the program; and
- Ensuring performance is assessed using a transparent and consistent process that encourages dialogue between service providers and the Department.
Program Delegate responsibilities and obligations:
- Ensuring Australian Government and Mental Health Community Based Program protocols and procedures are adhered to and that the process is open, fair and accountable.
4.2 Service Provider Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Service provider responsibilities and accountabilities:
- Contributing to the overall development and improvement of the program such as sharing best practice methods based on evidence and data and participating in skills development and continuous improvement;
- Providing quality services which are effective, efficient, and appropriately targeted;
- Working collaboratively to deliver the program, particularly with other agencies and services to ensure the best possible outcome for program participants;
- Complying with all relevant legislation e.g. any relevant program specific legislation, etc;
- Adhering to the Terms and Conditions of the Funding Agreement established with the Australian Government;
- Meeting the obligations and accountabilities as stated in the Funding Agreement Schedule between FaHCSIA and the service provider;
- Providing a complaints handling mechanism;
- Conducting the service consistent with any Code of Conduct, Duty of Care policies that may apply within the program;
- Informing the Department promptly of any issues or events which will significantly impact on project delivery; and
- Conducting and reporting a formal project evaluation (see Section 2.10 below).