The Ulare Secondment Program is open to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations governed and operated by Aboriginal communities.

This includes Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), Aboriginal Peak Bodies and other Aboriginal-led organisations that align with the program intent and eligibility requirements.

Host organisations play a key role in supporting a successful placement. This includes:

• Providing day-to-day supervision and guidance aligned to the Placement Workplan

• Supporting the participant through clear direction, communication and on-the-job support

• Ensuring a culturally safe and respectful working environment

• Engaging with the program team to maintain alignment and address any issues early

• Escalating concerns where required through the program’s support pathways

Projects are defined by the host organisation and aligned to their priorities. Examples may include:

• Supporting strategic planning, governance or organisational development

• Developing or improving systems, processes or operational workflows

• Contributing to policy, program or service design

• Supporting data collection, analysis or reporting

• Assisting with community engagement or stakeholder coordination

• Delivering project-based initiatives aligned to organisational goals

All projects should be meaningful, achievable within the placement timeframe and contribute to the host organisation’s priorities.

An appropriate project is one that aligns with your organisation’s priorities and can be meaningfully progressed within the placement period.

Examples may include:

• Supporting strategic planning, governance or organisational development

• Improving systems, processes or operational workflows

• Assisting with policy, program or service development

• Supporting data, reporting or funding-related activities

• Contributing to stakeholder or community engagement activities

Projects should be clearly scoped, achievable within the placement timeframe and provide practical value to your organisation. The program team can work with you to shape a project that aligns with your needs and priorities.

Host organisations are required to hold appropriate insurance coverage for the duration of the placement, including:

• Employers Liability Insurance

• Public Liability Insurance

Evidence of current insurance, such as a Certificate of Currency, will be requested prior to the placement commencing.

Host organisations are actively involved in the matching process and have the opportunity to review and confirm proposed participants before a placement proceeds.

Host organisations:

• Receive information about proposed participants

• Can ask questions or request clarification

• May decline a proposed participant

No placement proceeds without host organisation agreement.

If a placement is not working as expected, host organisations are encouraged to raise this early so appropriate support can be provided.

Host organisations can:

• Raise concerns directly with the participant, where appropriate

• Contact the program team for support

• Request adjustments, pauses or early conclusion of the placement

The program team will work with all parties to address issues and ensure they are managed appropriately and respectfully.

Arrangements for workspace and equipment are agreed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the placement.

Where required:

• Expectations will be clarified upfront with support from the program team

• Hybrid or flexible arrangements may be considered

Host organisations will not be expected to absorb unreasonable costs.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, you are encouraged to contact the program team for guidance.

The team can discuss your organisation or circumstances, clarify eligibility requirements and support you to determine whether the program is a good fit.

If a cultural concern arises during a placement, host organisations are encouraged to raise this early so appropriate support can be provided.

Host organisations can access:

• The program team as a first point of contact

• Support to facilitate discussion or help resolve concerns

• The option to adjust, pause or conclude the placement if required

The program is designed to prioritise cultural safety, respectful engagement and the wellbeing of all parties.

Whether a participant works directly with community members will depend on:

• The host organisation’s preferences

• The nature and scope of the project

• Cultural and community considerations.

Any direct engagement with community members must occur with the explicit consent and guidance of the host organisation.

If a participant has been absent for an extended period, host organisations are encouraged to raise this early so appropriate support can be provided.

Next steps may include:

• Checking in with the participant, where appropriate

• Notifying the program team to seek guidance and support

• Liaising with the participant’s home organisation if required

The program team will work with all parties to understand the situation and determine appropriate actions, which may include adjustments to the placement, agreed leave arrangements, or early conclusion if necessary.

Yes. Organisations at different stages of development can participate, provided there is a clear scope of work and appropriate support in place for the participant.

The program team will work with you to understand your current context and help define a placement that is realistic, meaningful and aligned to your priorities.

This may include refining the project scope, clarifying expectations and ensuring appropriate supervision and support arrangements are in place before the placement commences.

The Ulare Secondment Program is delivered by MTL Consulting Services in partnership with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE). The program is supported by the Government of South Australia.

MTL is responsible for program management and coordination, with OCPSE providing strategic oversight and governance support.

Placements are intended to run for the agreed duration; however, they may be concluded early where required.

If a host organisation is considering ending a placement early, this should be discussed as soon as possible with the participant and the program team. Early discussion allows appropriate support to be provided and ensures impacts are managed effectively.

Where a placement does end early, arrangements will be managed in consultation with all parties to support a respectful and appropriate transition.

Host organisations are expected to provide appropriate day-to-day supervision and guidance aligned to the Placement Workplan.

Supervision should be proportionate to the scope and complexity of the placement and will be discussed and agreed upfront. Host organisations are not expected to train participants in government systems or address broader capability gaps.

Participants remain employed by, and formally accountable to, their home agency.

Host organisations are expected to meet standard workplace health and safety obligations for the duration of the placement.

This includes:

• Providing a safe and appropriate working environment

• Supporting general wellbeing through regular check-ins and day-to-day supervision

• Raising any concerns with the program team where additional support may be required

Participants are also encouraged to access support through their home agency where needed. Host organisations are not expected to manage government employee wellbeing systems.

Work produced during the placement is owned by the host organisation, unless otherwise agreed.

This includes any documents, data, tools or materials developed as part of the placement. These materials remain with the host organisation and should not be reused or shared without their permission.

Host organisations are not required to complete formal government reporting as part of the program.

You may be invited to provide feedback to support continuous improvement; however, this is optional and designed to be straightforward and low burden.

We value all feedback, it is an important component of the program’s success. Regular feedback sessions have been built into the program lifecycle, with an opportunity for both hosts, supporting agencies and participants to provide their views and experiences.