2 September 2019 - SSPA has today released an independent study into the gap between what the social service sector is funded to deliver and what it in fact delivers.  The study by MartinJenkins found the government is underfunding social service providers delivering services that are essential to the wellbeing of New Zealand children, families, whānau and communities by an estimated $630 million a year.  SSPA is calling on the government to take serious steps in Budget 2020 to close the funding gap, and to commit to working with social service providers and the philanthropic sector on the longer term issues that are identified, to achieve an effective and sustainable funding model that ensures the wellbeing of all New Zealanders. 

Read the full report here.

Morning Report and The Panel have featured items about the pay equity issues for NGO social workers. Listen here to the item on Morning Report which includes commentary from Barnardos CEO Mike Munnelly, ATWC CEO (and SSPA National Executive member) Judy Matai’a and SSPA National Manager Brenda Pilott.  Listen here to Brenda Pilott speaking with Wallace Chapman on The Panel about pay equity. 

SSPA welcomes the landmark pay equity deal for Oranga Tamariki social workers and says it must also apply to social workers contracted by community organisations that deliver services to Oranga Tamariki.

“It is high time the value of social work was recognised and we congratulate the PSA, Oranga Tamariki and the Minister for Children for taking this step.  It must also be accompanied by a funding boost that will enable the community organisations contracted by Oranga Tamariki to pay equitable wages to the social workers they employ” says SSPA national manager Brenda Pilott.

Social Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA) has welcomed the Budget’s focus on helping our most vulnerable families through improved access to primary health services, the additional learning support programme, and the focus on social housing. The much-needed funding boost for family violence services is also to be welcomed. But the Budget bypasses essential and intensive community-based child and family services which are in urgent need of more funding.