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Background to the Communities of Practice

The aim of a Community of Practice (COP)

To give workers in each disability justice area an opportunity to:

  • Reflect on key messages from DJP training, research and discuss implications for practice and programs
  • Present practice initiatives
  • Share practice resources
  • Identify and discuss common practice issues
  • Jointly problem solve solutions
  • Celebrate good practice and good ideas

Benefits of participating in a COP for staff

  • Support reflective practice
  • Support sector staff to manage change, such as the introduction of the NDIS
  • Provide access to new knowledge
  • Foster trust and a sense of common purpose
  • Add value to professional lives
  • Promote a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement in sector

Benefits of participating in a COP for organisations

  • Generates knowledge and encourages skill development
  • Uses knowledge management to drive local organisational strategy
  • Disseminates valuable information and transfer of best practice
  • Initiates new practice activities

Benefits of participating in a COP for the sector

  • Promotes a shared evidence base across the sector
  • Facilitates rapid responses to customer needs and problems in the field
  • Decreases the learning curve for new employees in the Disability Justice network
  • Helps recruit and retain talent within organisations

Guidelines for Establishing a Community of Practice

Below, we have published some simple resources on how best to organise and ensure sustainability of the community. As well as a background information pack on the benefits of Communities of Practice within the Disability Justice Project.

How were they established across NSW?

Communities of Practice (COPs) were established in sixteen areas initially, in eleven FACS Districts across NSW. In some instances, one or more Districts have been combined, dependent on participant numbers and interest.

COP meetings were generally scheduled to run monthly or bi-monthly, each group determined what best suited them.

Resources

COPs – Facilitator Guide

COPs – Guidelines

COPs – Pathway Activity Guideline

COPs – References

Agencies involved in the COPs established across NSW

cop-agencies

Please click to enlarge

Background reading

Further information on Communities of Practice:

For further information on setting up a COP in your area, or to find out more

If you would like further information or have an inquiry concerning your local Community of Practice, please email us at: susan.beggs1@lwb.org.au