Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation (NADO)
Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation Limited (NADO) has been selected as an Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards 2021. The Australian Business Award for Employer of Choice [EOC] recognises organisations that develop workplaces that maximise the full potential of their workforce through established policies and practices which demonstrate effective employee recruitment, engagement and retention.
“The team culture within our workplace is one of equality, diversity and collaboration stemmed by a passion for helping those most vulnerable within our community. Our people are the heartbeat of our organisation and our focus is based on supporting and equipping them with the right skills so that they can fulfil their goal of helping people with disability live a more independent life. It is testament to our team’s hard work and dedication that we continue to provide high quality support services to our community.”
Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation Limited (NADO), founded in 1980 by local families, is a registered NDIS provider and community-based charity that supports people with disabilities, their families and carers in the Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury regions. A major contribution of the organisation is the awareness of human rights for people with a disability within the community.
For over 40 years, NADO as an organisation have evolved to become a leader in the disability sector, with a significant broadening of their core service offerings which now include accommodation, allied health and therapy, NDIS plan management, short course programs, support coordination, social event management as well as a sensory store.
A defining factor as to why local workers within the disability sector choose to work with NADO (now more than 200 employees) is for the support and ability to grow and develop professionally. The organisation’s focus on skillset development of support staff and leadership teams is a key pillar in NADO’s strategic plan. The human resource department’s alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives is demonstrated by ensuring the vision, mission and values are adhered to by the workforce.
NADO’s human resource policies, systems and practices are rigorously measured for their success. They are continually being developed, strengthened, and easily utilised through the introduction of an e-learning platform. As registered NDIS providers, NADO consistently meet and succeed in rigorous Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) measures. This is achieved through intensive training across the workforce, regular WHS forums held by the organisation, WHS site inspection meetings as well as the organisation undergoing an external WHS audit by an industry leading third party.
During the onset of the initial 2020 Covid-19 outbreak, NADO’s commitment to its employees was demonstrated by the significant shift of its workforce throughout the pandemic. In order to reward, retain and recognise the value and importance of their people to the organisation, NADO effectively and successfully stabilised its workforce through re-deployment strategies to provide stability and guaranteed hours during an uneasy time for casual workers in Australia.
In any model organisation, continually developing and maintaining a work environment and culture that demonstrates effective employee wellbeing starts with communication. Through extensive employee surveys, in particular that of Employee Engagement Surveys and Covid-19 Check In Surveys, NADO are committed to continuously measuring and utilising staff feedback to ensure workplace sentiment is high and aligned with the business’ overarching strategic goals, vision and mission.