Shared management responsibility refers to the process where individuals receiving support services share the duties and tasks associated with managing those services and their funding with a trusted service provider.
This approach empowers individuals by giving them more control over their supports while receiving assistance from a provider for various administrative and operational tasks. The level of shared responsibility is typically flexible and negotiated to suit the individual's preferences and needs.
Key Aspects of Shared Management Responsibility
Shared management involves dividing specific tasks between the individual and the service provider. This collaborative model ensures that the individual retains agency and decision-making power while benefiting from the provider's expertise and support in areas they may find challenging or prefer not to handle independently.
What Responsibilities Are Typically Shared?
A range of responsibilities can fall under a shared management model. Based on common practices and the provided reference, these often include:
- Budgeting and Budget Monitoring: Collaborating on how funds are allocated and spent, and keeping track of expenditures against the budget.
- Secure Record Keeping: Ensuring that all necessary financial, personal, and service-related records are maintained securely and confidentially.
- Financial Auditing: Assisting with or managing the process of reviewing financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Complying with Quality and Safeguarding Standards: Working together to ensure that the services received meet required quality benchmarks and safeguard the individual's well-being and rights.
- Compiling and Submitting Yearly Reports: Preparing and submitting necessary reports, often related to funding usage and service outcomes, to relevant bodies.
The Benefits of Shared Responsibility
Embracing shared management can offer significant advantages, promoting greater independence and flexibility.
- Increased Control: Individuals have a direct say in how their services are managed and funded.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: The service provider handles complex or time-consuming tasks, freeing up the individual's time and energy.
- Expert Support: Access to the provider's knowledge and systems for managing finances, compliance, and staff.
- Tailored Support: The model can be adjusted to fit the individual's specific capacity and comfort level with different tasks.
How Shared Management Works
The specifics of shared management are usually outlined in an agreement between the individual and the service provider. This agreement details:
- Which responsibilities are shared.
- How tasks are divided.
- The level of support the provider will offer for each task.
- Communication protocols.
This flexible structure ensures that the management approach evolves with the individual's changing needs and goals.
For further details on shared management approaches and the specific responsibilities involved, you can explore resources like the Interchange WA services page.
