Strategic thrusts

About the roadmap

The social needs of the community are evolving as new population trends emerge. To ensure that the social service sector can meet the needs of the various communities, the various players in the sector play a key role in leading the desired changes to bring our sector forward.

This playbook breaks down the four key strategic thrusts identified in the Social Service Sector Strategic Roadmap (2022-2026) into desired outcomes and outlines actionable steps as well as examples and ideas that different stakeholders can explore to grow their organisation and the sector as a whole. Together, we can uplift the wide social service sector to ensure that every person is empowered to live with dignity in a caring and inclusive society.

Thrust 1: Empowered and included individuals, families and communities

Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to be active and enabled participants in society. This involves providing the necessary support systems, resources, and opportunities for personal growth and development, while also fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion within the community.

Desired outcome:

• Practices and solutions in the sector are more person-centred

• The wider ecosystem taps on individuals, families and communities to solve social challenges

• Vulnerable groups have support to make well-informed decisions on how their needs and aspirations are met

• More vulnerable people are included and participate in society

Thrust 2: Effective and impactful social service entities

We want to nurture strong leadership, build organisational capabilities, and encourage innovation within entities. By doing so, we ensure that social purpose entities (SPEs) are well-equipped to deliver high-quality services and achieve their missions effectively.

Desired outcome:

• SPEs serve with heart and demonstrate professionalism across all levels, backed by robust governance and strong people practices

• SPEs are forward-thinking and practice sustainable resourcing

• SPEs collaborate across the sector and beyond to optimise resources and enhance

Thrust 3: Caring, collaborative and impactful social service ecosystem

Ensuring a connected and caring ecosystem is crucial in driving the other strategic thrusts. By encouraging partnerships and collaborations, we can deliver impactful and holistic solutions to support the community and address complex social issues more effectively.

Desired outcomes:

• Foster strategic and sustainable partnerships between different sectors and stakeholders for greater impact

• Improved diversity and sustainability of resources in the sector

• Sector players take a systems approach to deliver quality, innovative and sustainable solutions to advance the goals of the sector

Thrust 4: Future-directed social service sector

We aim to remain focused on preparing the social service sector for the future by anticipating and responding to emerging trends and challenges. We want to adopt a forward-looking approach to ensure that the sector remains relevant, innovative, and capable of addressing future social needs.

Desired outcome:

• A digitally enabled and data-driven social service sector

• A social service sector that is well positioned for the future

• The social service sector experiments to develop quality, innovative and sustainable