INDEPENDENT NEWS

Mainstream programme moves to MSD

Published: Mon 30 Jun 2008 11:44 AM
Mainstream programme moves to Ministry of Social Development
30 June 2008
The Mainstream supported employment programme will be operating from the Ministry of Social Development instead of the State Services Commission from tomorrow.
The programme will continue to operate in the same way as it does now - only its address and contact details will change.
The Mainstream programme facilitates employment opportunities within the State sector - Public Service departments and selected Crown entities, including large schools - for people significantly disadvantaged by disability. It provides subsidies to agencies and helps fund training, and installation of specialist equipment.
There are currently some 220 people in employment through the programme.
The Mainstream programme has operated from the State Services Commission (SSC) for the past 32 years. Its last day at the SSC is today.
The programme was established in SSC at a time when the Commission was involved in all Public Service appointments and so fitted well with the organisation's purpose, said State Services Commissioner, Mark Prebble.
Mark Prebble said the SSC is now taking a more strategic approach, focusing on Chief Executive performance management, the work of central agencies and the promotion of Development Goals for the State Services.
"Because of Mainstream's largely operational focus, it was felt the programme would sit best within a department that works in a similar way and with similar stakeholders."
"The MSD has a strong interest and expertise in disability issues, both at policy and operational levels, and its work place programmes will complement Mainstream. The MSD also has a strong regional and local presence, including established relationships with employers. This will provide the Mainstream team with more opportunities to expand the programme.
"With Mainstream being part of the MSD, employees and employers will now have a single contact point for work place support."
The Mainstream team can be reached on 0800 MSTREAM (0800 678 732).
ENDS

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