Public policy advocacy
We are a collective voice speaking to government on behalf of children, youth and families and the agencies that serve them. Through our office in Victoria, our members have access to the senior leadership in the bureaucracy and political decision makers across a number of Ministries. We also actively monitor provincial and national social policy.
Opportunities for collaboration
Membership meetings are held three times a year and provide a forum for sharing information, identifying emerging issues and networking. Meetings include many guest speakers and opportunities to connect in person with decision makers effecting current issues. Agencies from across the province come together during these meetings to assess policy, to learn about new issues and initiatives, to collaborate and to socialize with colleagues and friends. Throughout the year, member agencies keep in contact through regional meetings, a private members HUB website, working committees, cooperative projects and policy engagement.
Access to current information
We provide timely, accurate information on current issues (e.g. budget analysis), professional development and emerging research. Our access to senior leaders in the social development ministries enables us to gather and share insight and information regarding governance, legislation, policies, priorities, strategic shifts, funding and other relevant issues. We also maintain membership in many National and Provincial organizations which enables us to provide information on events, website links and readings. A free job posting service is also available to members.
Comprehensive health, liability and general insurance package
Our group insurance packages are comprehensive and cost effective. Through the Federation Association Benefit Plan (FABP) we offer employee health benefits designed specifically for the social service sector (including dental benefits, extended medical benefits and long-term disability) at a cost lower than any independent agency could secure on its own. The FABP is one of only three plans that are fully compliant with the social services collective agreements. We also offer comprehensive liability and general insurance, including Directors' and Officers' Errors and Omissions Insurance and Property Insurance.
As a member agency you will also receive:
- Access to three provincial general meetings each year that deliver information on key issues, enhance knowledge about promising and effective practices, provide access to government leaders, inform and influence public policies and create opportunities for participants to learn from each other and network with colleagues.
- General Meeting Travel Subsidy - to offset costs of member agency participation in general meetings for member agencies whose geographic location and budget size make it unlikely that a representative would be able to attend a meeting.
- Access to three regional meetings each year. Meetings may be held in person or via webinar or teleconference and further enable information exchange and ensure that regional input is provided on provincial issues.
- Access to affordable, high quality education and training for staff, leadership and board members of member agencies through workshops held in advance of general meetings, regional workshops, jointly delivered training with post-secondary partners and specialized training programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the Federation.
- Access to the Members Only section of the Federation’s website where you will have access to our member and partner database and other tools and resources to enhance your work, including granting information and resources, research and practice publications, and human resource references.
- Access to our private member HUB website featuring forums, groups, member queries, personal blogs and live chat.
- Access to our insurance programs offering high quality, comprehensive coverage at costs less than what is available to independent applicants.
- Assistance and mentoring to agencies undertaking accreditation for the first time.
- Monthly member webinars in which current issues are discussed, mutual support is offered and agreements on action are reached.
- Complimentary subscription to our daily news clippings service and a weekly bulletin providing time-sensitive information on upcoming events and initiatives.
- Complimentary subscription to our legislative and parliamentary review service, providing information on relevant legislative and parliamentary debates and policy, program and funding announcements.
- Complimentary subscription to the Federation’s monthly electronic newsletter, offering timely information, articles and resources on topics of concern to our members.
- Access to our Careers Board where you may advertise career opportunities in your agency. The Career Board postings are accessible to anyone doing a web search for Social Sector/Human Service jobs or careers.
- Opportunities to participate in promising practices research, support for data collection, analysis and evaluation and research summaries on specifically requested areas of practice or service.
- Access to timely information on current media reports, government announcements, legislation and legislative debates, funding opportunities, learning events, and new research and reports.
- Access to Research to Practice publications, operational toolkits and other documentation.
- Access to administrative and program expertise.