General Workplace and Business advice

The NDS Quality Portal is a guide for disability services providers with standards compliance management, reporting, business risk management and quality improvement, and has been updated to include a range of COVID-19 resources, including:

• A self-assessment in the platform for respiratory outbreak preparedness (based on recommendations from the Department of Health, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and other sources).
• Since the flyer, we've also now added a COVID-safe Workplace Checklist self-assessment (based on Safe Work Australia's recommendations)
• Infection prevention and control policy
• Business impact analysis and continuity policy
• Staff succession planning resources and policy
• Working from home policy and template agreement

NDS Organisational Members and Associates can access a 10% discount when subscribing to the platform.

Safe Work Australia advises the national model. WHS laws require a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their workers and others at the workplace. This includes providing and maintaining a work environment that is without risks to health and safety. See Safe Work Australia's COVID-19 Advice.

Information for PCBUs and workers can also be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website.

State and Territory Work Health and Safety regulators also provide information on maintaining workplace safety. WorkSafe Victoria has released a guide for employers, ‘Preparing for a pandemic’, which SafeWork NSW also refers to, and maybe helpful for NDS members nationally.

WorkSafe ACT

SafeWork NSW

NT WorkSafe

WorkCover Queensland

SafeWork SA

WorkSafe Tasmania

WorkSafe Victoria

WorkSafe WA

Financial Support

NDS has created a consolidated list of financial and business assistance available.

The Australian Government’s business.gov.au provides comprehensive advice on support available to businesses including NFPs. Access a range of detailed PDF fact sheets on each of the government's financial support measures, including JobKeeper and Supporting Businesses to Retain Jobs.

JobKeeper and ATO Advice

The ATO also has a COVID-19 page which includes support available for businesses including NFPs, and a page to register interest in the JobKeeper Payment program. 

The Tax Commissioner has provided three documents to assist members in making decisions with respect to JobKeeper eligibility:

• Key Messages - A high level document outlining the turnover test requirements, the approach being taken for compliance and the importance of keeping good records
• Quick links - Outlines the key useful links found on the ATO website
• Frequently Asked questions (May 2020) - Key questions asked by the sector regarding NDIS services

Russell Kennedy has written an insightful article about navigating the JobKeeper scheme for CEOs, CFOs, GMs, Human Resource / People & Culture from social and community organisations. 

Pitcher Partners has provided access for NDS members to their recorded JobKeeper 2.0 webinars:

• JobKeeper 2.0: Understanding the rules 
• JobKeeper 2.0: Calculating GST turnover and 10% decline in turnover certificates

Superannuation

NDS’s superannuation partner, HESTA, is hosting free webinars commencing 6 April regarding changes to the early release of super, market volatility and reduced drawdown rates for income stream members. Register today. Contact HESTA on 1800 813 327 to discuss your needs.

Insurance and business continuity

Now COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic it is likely that your business interruption insurance will not cover a closure resulting from the virus. 

Speak to your insurer about the details of your policies, including how they may respond to potential claims by people in your care.

• Gallagher has written an article relating to COVID-19 and insurance impacts which includes information and resources.
• Ansvar Risk has prepared Pandemic Risk guidance, including a planning checklist.

The Institute of Community Directors has provided a free Epidemic/Pandemic Policy template, which you can edit to suit your organisation’s needs.

NDS members have kindly shared some useful documents:

• Able Australia, has made their COVID-19 Response Plan available to other service providers to help guide their preparations.
• Avivo has provided helpful leave and daily meeting templates [leave application] [leave policy] [team daily meeting]

Cyber Security

The Australian Signals Directorate is cautioning organisations to incorporate cyber security into their COVID-19 business continuity and work from home planning. As the use of remote access technology increases, adversaries may attempt to take advantage.

See COVID-19 malicious cyber activity advice and updates from the Australian Signals Directorate.

Working from Home

• Infoxchange has technology advice for NFPs, including working from home tips and links to free online business applications

• Connecting Up are providing free or heavily discounted remote working resources for charities and not-for-profits

Workplace Laws

Be mindful of industrial relations as well as work health and safety responsibilities. Check Fair Work Commission advice, for example if you need to stand down employees.

The Fairwork Ombudsman has released advice specific to COVID-19 and how it relates to workplace laws.

Industrial Relations

NDS, in collaboration with the Australian Services Union (ASU), the Health Services Union (HSU) and the United Workers Union (UWU) and with the assistance of the Fair Work Commission has developed a Best Practice Consultation Guide for the Disability Sector.