1. Using RBA to Demonstrate Viability in the Community Sector/NGO Chris Arbon Manager Social Health, Wellbeing and Community Capability

2. Introduction A bit about UCWB Why UCWB adopted RBA History of our involvement Using RBA to demonstrate viability

3. UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCWB) UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCW Bowden) was established more than 150 years ago and has a long and proud tradition of never closing its doors to people in need. We help people and families of all backgrounds to acquire the life skills and support they need to confidently and proudly create a fulfilled and stable future for themselves. We enable those who are experiencing personal, social or financial distress, to cope with their immediate situation with strength and dignity.

4. Why UCWB adopted RBA Global trend towards funding outcomes Community expectations for results rather than activity Accreditation standards Reporting requirements of State and Commonwealth Government Professional integrity

5. Why are we here? Are we making a lasting impact on big issues like health and well-being, family resilience and homelessness? Are people any better off by participating in UCWB programs? Can we prove it…to clients, funders…and ourselves? Can we improve it?

6. Our RBA journey Involvement with RBA pilot 2012-2013 Gradual process since that time Comprehensive implementation plan developed RBA project officer Partnership with Communities Centres SA

7. Our RBA journey July 2015 all staff RBA survey Data showed that: - Over half of the respondents had ‘some’ knowledge of RBA; - A majority (84%) of respondents understood UCWB’s rationale for adopting RBA; and - Over 40% of respondents had started using RBA in their programs.

8. Our RBA journey: Action plan Guided by the data gathered from the staff survey, actions include: Providing RBA 101 training and refresher courses; Creating RBA resources on the intranet; Embedding RBA in the staff induction; Creating an RBA common language guide; Conducting an annual RBA staff survey to track our progress.

9. Our RBA journey

10. Demonstrating Viability: Case Study Background on Community Foodies program Funding Partnership with Flinders University

11. What is the SA Community Foodies Program? The SA Community Foodies program is a statewide nutrition program that aims to support disadvantaged and vulnerable adults, (including Aboriginal and CALD) and their children, to improve knowledge and increase behaviours' in relation to healthy eating.

12. Priority Groups Targeting: disadvantaged or vulnerable adults (and their dependent children) including: Those on low income; Aboriginal people; Culturally and linguistically diverse people; People with a disability; People experiencing Mental Health problems; People experiencing homelessness.

13. Community Foodies are community members working in conjunction with local agencies to promote healthy eating and food security. Community Foodies are trained in basic health messages and learn how to work with groups to affect change. They are supported by Foodie Coordinators and other community stakeholders.

14. Positive, easy messages: 4 Key messages Eat more fruit and veg Eat more whole foods –Unprocessed, natural foods –Includes canned and frozen foods –Breast milk is the first whole food Drink more water Eat breakfast every day

15. Funding Funded by SA Health Previously delivered by SA Health Decision to outsource to the NGO sector

16. UCWB / Flinders University Nutrition and Dietetics (Fund) Partnership Working in partnership to undertake program evaluation. Program evaluation encompasses both process evaluation and impact evaluation of program objectives. Impact evaluation focuses on Community Foodies and program participants. 4 Rotations of students (total of 6 students) across 2015.

17. Measuring outcomes from an academic point of view Robust data Ethics application and modifications Foodies data: pre and post surveys+ in-depth interviews + photo voice Participants’ data: pre and post surveys

18. Measuring outcomes from a client’s point of view Aim: Gather data from clients in a respectful and non-intrusive manner - Literacy issues - Time constraints - Empowering clients

19. Challenges Ability to gather meaningful data and not burden foodies and participants. Agreeing on a method of data collection which satisfies both the evaluation framework from the university as well as being client centered.

20. Summary Evaluation was undertaken to show funders success of the program and to attract future funding from other sources. This approach has applicability in other program areas. The industry is changing. In order to remain viable we recognise that we need to embrace the changes. The ability to demonstrate outcomes / impact is one of those changes.