Network of Community Activities

Men In OSHC Forum.

The Men In OSHC Forum serves as a conduit for exchange of information between the men currently employed in member organisations of Network of Community Activities. Representation of males in the OSHC sector is currently significantly lower than females and this forum seeks to address the gap in retention and recruitment of male educators.

Forum membership provides participants an opportunity to inform the advocacy of Network about the issues affecting men working in the sector and provide advice on strategies to assist with recruitment and retention. Members also have an opportunity to be briefed on issues they deem to be impacting on the recruitment and retention of men in the OOSH sector and to obtain expert commentary on how these issues may be addressed.

In participation on the Forum, members must demonstrate a commitment to the Out of School Hours Sector and be prepared to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the Forum goals.

  1. Terms of Reference

1.1.The Forum is a sub-committee of the Board of Management of Network of Community Activities. The Forum reports back to the Management Committee through the provision of minutes of all meetings.

1.2.The Forum will provide opportunities for interagency contact, communication, planning, co-ordination and joint activities, involving men in the field of school age care provision

1.3.The Forum will act as a Network advisory group on issues retention and recruitment of men in the OSHC sector and alerting them to issues that require further work or research to enhance or support the men currently employed in the OSHC sector.

1.4.The Forum will provide opportunities for men working in the OSHC sector to meet and discuss issues of relevance to their work and provide opportunities for mentoring and support.

  1. Men In OSHC Forum membership

2.1.The Men In OSHC Forum shall be jointly chaired by;

  • A male representative of the OSHC Reference Group appointed by the Board.
  • One male representative of the Board of Management

2.2 Membership of the Men In OSHC Forum shall be open to all employees in the OSHC Sector employed by financial member services who fulfil the following requirements:

  • Are male and currently employed in an OSHC Service that is a financial member of Network of Community Activities
  • Agree to the Terms of Reference established by the Network Board of Management.
  • Are currently assuming a leadership role in their service or wishing to pursue a long-term career in the OSHC sector.
  1. Membership selection

3.1.The Board of Network of Community Activities shall review membership of the Men In OSHC Forum under 2.2 every 2 years. Membership is currently open however as time progresses it may be necessary to limit numbers of participants in the Forum to ensure representation is effective.

3.2.Prior to the review of membership, information regarding membership will be distributed to all eligible organisations and expressions of interest in Membership will be sought. [Information of other avenues of involvement with the Forum)

3.3.Where there are more services interested in membership than available places at the Men In OSHC Forum, the Network Board shall select using the following principles to guide the decision:

  • Application of requirements as spelt out by 2.2
  • Importance of membership reflecting a cross section of the OOSH Sector
  • Desirability of involving new or emerging services in the sector

Unsuccessful applications will go on file for consideration where a vacancy arises.

  1. Role of the Men in OSHC Reference Group

4.1.Recommend priorities for issues to be addressed in the work plan of the Network Executive team.

4.2.Participate in consultation on issues of relevance that may impact on the employment or retention of male staff in OSHC services in NSW.

4.3.Support and contribute to the work of Network.

4.4.Act a source of mentoring and support to male colleagues working in the OSHC sector.

4.5.Assist in the promotion of OSHC to men as an employment option.

  1. Responsibilities of Men In OSHC Reference Group members

5.1.Attend at least three meetings per year of the Forum.

5.2.Participate collaboratively in meetings, including working groups as required.

5.3.Share information, issues and resources from their work relating to OOSH.

5.4.Present a positive role model to the community.

5.5.Maintain the confidentiality of members by not discussing identifying origin of specific case studies or points of view of the Forum member unless permission is sought from the members concerned.

  1. Decision making process of the Men In OSHC Reference Group.

6.1.Decision-making will be undertaken in a collaborative manner that respects the roles and responsibilities of individual members.

6.2.Decisions will be based on consensus, using appropriate internal dispute resolution processes if necessary.

6.3.The meetings provide the opportunity for men working in the OSHC sector to discuss issues or concerns relevant to their employment and work in OSHC.

6.4.Decisions reached by the group may form recommendations to the Board. The Board may on advice choose not to act on a recommendation if they believe it is not in the interests of the membership of Network.

  1. Review of Terms of Reference.

The terms of Reference for the Men In OOSH Forum will be reviewed six months after Management acceptance of the terms and thereafter every 2 years.

February 2004Page 1 of 3